Police and public join forces to stop car thieves

File photo / NZ Herald

Car thieves were today foiled in their escape by a member of the public and an injured police officer whose patrol car had just been rammed by one of the offenders.

Waikato district commander Superintendent Win van der Velde said a Subaru and a Holden ute were stolen from a property in the Bombay area in South Auckland.

The drivers fled towards the Hauraki Plains, where they were spotted by a police patrol car.

The driver of the Subaru crashed the car in Paeroa, and while he was attempting to escape, a member of the public was able to stop him, Mr van der Velde said.

"This is probably an extreme example of partnership between police and the public but is an excellent portrayal of how by working together, the community can assist with preventing crime."

Meanwhile the driver of the ute sped towards Hamilton, but was being tracked by the Auckland based Police Eagle helicopter.

The car was seen driving into the Waikato Hospital grounds, and police surrounded the vehicle.

"As the driver attempted to escape police in his vehicle, he has rammed an unmarked patrol car," Mr van der Velde said.

"Despite suffering rib injuries the driver of the patrol car has chased the offender as he attempted to flee and after a brief struggle he has managed to arrest him. I commend the officer for his dedication in this matter."

The injured officer was treated for his injuries at the hospital and released a short time later.

Two men are being interviewed by police and will appear in the Hamilton District Court tomorrow on a variety of driving and burglary charges.

- NZPA