AUCKLAND, New Zealand — Six teenagers were taken into custody after police intercepted a convoy of three stolen vehicles travelling through east Auckland in the early hours of Monday morning.
According to police, the Eagle helicopter spotted the three vehicles driving together along Maraetai Coast Road at approximately 3:30 a.m. The vehicles, identified as two Nissan Tiidas and a Toyota Premio, were later confirmed to have been stolen.
Police quickly deployed road spikes along Maraetai Coast Road in an effort to stop the convoy. All three vehicles drove over the spikes.
Authorities said one of the Nissan Tiidas and the Toyota Premio came to a stop shortly afterward, leading to the arrest of four occupants.
The remaining Nissan continued driving through the Clevedon area toward Papakura. Police deployed a second set of spikes, but the vehicle continued for some distance before eventually becoming disabled after all of its tyres were destroyed.
The final two occupants were then taken into custody without further incident.
Police said all six individuals involved were aged between 13 and 16 years old. The youths have been referred to Youth Aid Services for further action.
No injuries were reported during the operation.
Authorities continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding the thefts and the use of the vehicles.
