Elderly woman dragged from car

After dragging the woman from her car, the teens took a joyride to Raglan where they stole another car. Photo / Supplied

An elderly woman was dragged out of her car by a group of teenagers who stole two cars and went for a joyride around Waikato, police say.

Detective Sergeant Nick O'Brien said the group flagged down the woman as she was driving in Nawton, Hamilton, about 5.40am on Wednesday.

"The group which was made up of teenage males and females then dragged the woman out of her car and sped off along Avalon Dr," he said.

The teens then drove the car to Raglan where they notice a woman leave the keys in her Skoda Octavia as she went into the bank.

The group also stole the Skoda and drove the two cars towards State Highway 23 where they were caught by police.

"After a short pursuit both cars were stopped and the offenders apprehended," he said.
Both cars were returned to their owners undamaged.

One male and one female appeared in the Hamilton Youth Court yesterday in connection with the thefts, while an older female appeared in the District Court yesterday.

A fourth female will appear in the District Court next week.

Mr O'Brien said he had concerns to raise with the parents of the four teenagers.

"While it was pretty good to be able to return the first victim's car to her relatively unscathed we have some concerns we want to raise with the parents of the four teenagers around their access to alcohol and supervision," he said.

He advised drivers to avoid leaving their cars unlocked with the keys in it.

"Our message around valuables in cars, and the vehicles themselves, is lock them or lose them."