Police helicopter and dog units track down Christchurch youth offenders

Three 14-year-olds have been arrested by police in connection with a series of burglaries and car crimes across Christchurch. Photo / Dean Purcell.

Three teenagers have been arrested in connection with a series of burglaries across Christchurch. During the operation, a police dog unit vehicle crashed.

In addition to the commercial burglaries, the alleged offenders, all 14 years old, were wanted in relation to multiple instances of dangerous driving and the theft of vehicles over the past couple of days.

Superintendent Lane Todd said police used various methods to track and trace the young suspects, including dogs and a helicopter.

“We investigate repeat offenders every day and had a strong lead in pinpointing a vehicle these suspects were using,” Todd said.

“We’ve deployed the services of a helicopter for air support and surveillance, which proved vital in successfully locating the vehicle of interest.”

One of the police dog vehicles supporting the operation was involved in a crash with a private vehicle this morning, police said.

There were no injuries and the matter was being investigated separately.

“Police have been very concerned with the behaviour of this group of youths over recent days,” Todd said.

“They have shown a total disregard for the safety of road users and police staff and we are pleased that they have been arrested safely.”

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