Teens linked to robberies swap clothes to evade Police but fail in Pukekohe

Teenage suspects linked to a string of aggravated robberies were seen changing their clothes at a Pukekohe high school as Police closed in during a coordinated operation.

Police moved into the township Friday after an off-duty officer spotted a group behaving suspiciously near the Michael Hill jewellery store. One of the teens was already wanted over aggravated robberies at a Michael Hill store in Napier on February 3 and a Papatoetoe bar on February 10.

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The group later fled the area in a vehicle, which was abandoned on a nearby side street as officers closed in. The discovery triggered a coordinated search of the surrounding area, with the Police Eagle Helicopter deployed overhead to track movements and direct officers on the ground.

Soon after, officers received reports teens were seen swapping clothes at a nearby high school in an apparent attempt to avoid detection, but the clothing change failed to evade Police.

Officers quickly detained two youths at the school while Eagle tracked two others walking away. Both were chased down and arrested on Harris Street.

Detectives worked into the evening laying charges against the group.

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A 17-year-old male faces two counts of aggravated robbery relating to the Napier and Papatoetoe incidents, along with four charges of unlawfully taking motor vehicles.

A 15-year-old male has been charged with aggravated robbery over the Papatoetoe incident.

Another 17-year-old male faces aggravated robbery charges over a Takanini vape store robbery on January 23, as well as additional vehicle crime charges.

All three have appeared before the Manukau Youth Court.

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