Police were in the area at the time and a dog and handler helped to link the trio with the scene.
Police say when caught they initially denied the burglary, until the couple's cell phone rang in their pocket. They also had other stolen items on them, linking them back to the burglary scene.
The three youths were in custody before appearing in Whangarei District Court on Saturday. Two remained in custody while one was granted bail.
Ms Phillips said follow-up interventions would be done through Youth Aid.
Police are concerned with the recent spate of intruder burglaries, targeting in many cases elderly victims.
Anyone with information can call the Whangarei Police on (09) 430-4500 or can call anonymously on the Crime Stoppers hotline: 0800 555-111.