Four youths in custody, East Auckland butcher shop broken into overnight

Four youths are in custody following a burglary at an East Auckland butcher shop.

A police spokesperson said around 3am they received a report of a break in a butchery on Felton Mathew Ave.

“Police attended but the vehicle had fled down the Ellerslie/Panmure highway. It failed to stop after a ground unit activated their lights.”

No pursuit was initiated, but Police helicopter Eagle kept observation, the spokesperson said.

“The vehicle was spiked successfully in Greenlane but continued on.

“It eventually came to a stop on Atkin Avenue in Mission Bay, where four youths were taken into custody.”

The youths would be referred to Youth Aid, the spokesperson said. Inquiries were ongoing.

Saint Johns Butchery manager Dave Clark said at 3am they were alerted to the incident.

“Neighbouring fruit and vegetable store was broken into but not a lot was taken. From the CCTV footage of my store, the group of five young offenders then entered my store smashing the front door.

“One of them entered the shop looking for cash, we don’t keep it onsite. They did huge damage and stole some icecreams.”

Clark said police officers were quick to the scene and did an “excellent job”.

“They caught them but because of their age they would be out soon and reoffend.

“There is no consequence.”