Police chase man on ride-on mower after burglary in Karaka, South Auckland

• Police officers chased and arrested a 34-year-old man on a ride-on lawn mower after a burglary in Karaka.
• The man was charged with burglary and is set to appear in Manukau District Court on March 21.
• The incident, filmed and shared on Instagram, drew humorous comments from the public.

Police officers were filmed chasing down a man on a ride-on lawn mower after reports of a burglary in rural South Auckland.

In a 20-second video shared to the Auckland Police Instagram, three officers were seen running after a man driving a ride-on lawnmower along a bike path next to the motorway.

The first few seconds showed the man looking over his shoulder while speeding off.

The three officers gave chase on foot for 15 seconds before the first officer caught up with the lawnmower and attempted to wrestle control away from the driver.

A spokesperson for Counties Manukau South Police said officers responded to a report of a burglary taking place at a residential address.

“The burglary allegedly occurred on New Year’s morning in Karaka. The 34-year-old man was soon arrested by our frontline staff.

“He has been charged with burglary and is before the Manukau District Court. He has been remanded in custody to appear on 21 March.”

One person commented on the post, saying “This is brilliant! I feel like it’s an ‘only in NZ’ sort of situation,” while another asked, “Did he take the earmuffs too?”

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