Police prioritise public safety in Beach Haven after reports of a violent youth

Several people in the North Shore suburb of Beach Haven have reported having rocks hurled at their vehicles by the young person. Photo / Facebook

Police say public safety is their priority after repeated reports of violent incidents involving a young person in an Auckland suburb.

Residents in the North Shore’s Beach Haven have taken to social media, saying their community has been terrorised in recent months by the youth allegedly attacking other children, damaging property and throwing rocks at vehicles.

A community Facebook group contains comments from dozens of residents complaining of damaged property.

“[It] can’t go on! Neither can the damage he is causing to so many people’s phones, glasses etc. All the victims need to get together and put a case to the authorities. Good luck, I hope something positive can be done before someone gets hurt,” one person said.

“This is clearly escalating to the point of someone being seriously injured or worse. My advice would be for all and any who see this or experience it at the time – dial 111 immediately,” another warned.

In a statement on social media today, police said they were aware of “a number of incidents” involving a young person in the Beach Haven area.

“The public’s safety remains a priority for police. As such, the care and protection of all people involved is of the utmost importance to us.”

Several people in the North Shore suburb of Beach Haven have reported having rocks hurled at their vehicles by a young person.

Police were working through “a number of processes” with partner agencies towards a solution.

“We encourage people to continue to report any offending or suspicious activity occurring in your communities.”

Oranga Tamariki told the Herald it is working with the police and can’t comment further for now.

“We often work alongside police, and other Government agencies, to help find solutions and support for tamariki and rangatahi with a range of needs in multiple different ways,” a spokesperson said.

“This can include providing assessments, care, and support for the child, children or wider whānau. There are also a number of community-run helplines and services that offer support, information and help for parents, whānau and rangatahi.”

Northcote MP Dan Bidois called it a “complex situation” that police and several other agencies were working through.

“I’d like to thank members of the community who have reached out to me and volunteered their services/time to support the boy and his family.

“I am confident a solution to this will be found.”