Police have arrested suspects and recovered stolen jewellery following an aggravated robbery in Onehunga at Onehunga Jewellers on Tuesday afternoon.
Last night, a vehicle connected to the crime was located, leading to a pursuit and the arrest of both occupants.
Detective Senior Sergeant Scott Armstrong of Auckland City CIB reported that investigations into the robbery at a jewellery store on Onehunga Mall, which occurred just after 4 PM, were ongoing. A significant amount of jewellery was stolen.
Around 10 PM, the fleeing vehicle was spotted in Papakura.
“Officers were deployed to the area and observed the vehicle travelling through Manurewa, with aerial support from Eagle,” stated Detective Senior Sergeant Armstrong.
“An attempt to stop the vehicle on Roscommon Road failed as it sped away, but a minor collision with a civilian vehicle occurred without causing injury.”
Spikes were deployed as the vehicle entered the South-Western Motorway heading north.
“Eagle continued to track the vehicle's erratic driving. It eventually headed south again and exited at Massey Road,” said Armstrong.
The vehicle then moved towards Mt Wellington Highway, where spikes were successfully used again.
A pursuit was initiated as the vehicle travelled on the South-Eastern Highway towards Pakuranga.
“Despite the vehicle’s dangerous driving, no members of the public were harmed,” noted Armstrong.
The pursuit concluded when the vehicle collided with barriers at the intersection of Ti Rakau Drive and Reeves Road.
“The suspects, aged 15 and 17, attempted to carjack another vehicle but were swiftly taken into custody. A large quantity of stolen jewellery was recovered from their vehicle,” Armstrong confirmed.
Charges have been filed against the 17-year-old, including aggravated robbery, dangerous driving, failing to stop, and two counts of unlawfully taking a motor vehicle. He is also implicated in a violent attempted robbery at a Mt Albert sports bar on June 22, facing charges of aggravated wounding, assault with intent to rob, burglary with a weapon, and assault.
He will appear in Auckland Youth Court today, with bail opposed.
The 15-year-old has also been charged with aggravated robbery and two counts of unlawfully taking a motor vehicle. He is scheduled to appear in Auckland Youth Court this morning.
“Police are appalled by the level of violence in such incidents,” Armstrong stated. “We will continue to investigate these crimes that cause significant harm to business owners and the community.”