Thames police arrest teens for dishonesty offending

Three teenagers are set to face charges after an increase in dishonesty offending in the Coromandel area this summer.

New Zealand Police Eastern Waikato area commander Inspector Mike Henwood said two of the teenagers were arrested last night.

“About 7pm last night, Thames Police responded to reports of people breaking into cars,” Henwood said.

“With the assistance of a police dog unit from Hamilton, police tracked and arrested two offenders nearby.”

Henwood said inquiries revealed the alleged offenders were also believed to have been involved in several incidents since January 8.

“This includes the attempted unlawful taking of vehicles, the unlawful taking of vehicles, two burglaries, and an attempted burglary,” Henwood said.

Pāuanui was of particular concern for holiday crime with a series of incidents occurring which had locals calling for night patrols.

The two men, aged 17 and 18, are due are due to appear before the Hamilton Youth Court today, on 11 charges related to the incidents.

Henwood said another young person, aged 14, is due to appear in the Waihi District Youth Court later this week.

“Eastern Waikato Police have identified an increase in dishonesty offending within the wider area over the past few weeks,” Henwood said.

“[This] is in line with what we typically see across summer months, and have we have altered patrol patterns accordingly.”

Henwood said the arrests were a good step towards curbing the recent offending but police needed the public’s help to continue to effectively respond to unlawful activity.

“If you witness any suspicious activity, please contact Police on 111 if it’s happening now or via 105 either online or over the phone if it’s after the fact,” Henwood said.