A 14-year-old girl broke her arm and five bikes were seized, Police say.
Police have arrested three 15-year-olds over a series of bike robberies around Lloyd Elsmore Park in Pakuranga on Sunday afternoon.
Officers received a number of reports that a group of youths was allegedly stealing bicycles around the park.
Counties Manukau East Area Prevention Manager, Acting Inspector Steve Albrey, said a 13-year-old reported that a group of males approached him on Ti Rakau Drive and stole his bicycle.
“About 30 minutes later a second person reported that the same group had stolen his 14-year-old daughter’s bicycle, where she sustained a broken arm after allegedly being pushed off her bike.”
Two of the alleged offenders were sighted a short time later on Pakuranga Road.
“Upon seeing Police, the youths rode off at speed towards Lloyd Elsmore Park, however officers blocked in the offenders and quickly took them into custody,” Albrey said.
“The bicycle stolen during the first incident was recovered and while staff were dealing with the two alleged offenders, a parent of one of the victims arrived at the location and assisted in identifying a third offender within the park, who was also taken into custody.”
Albrey said enquiries established that the third alleged offender had just stolen a bicycle from a 12-year-old victim in the park.
Five bicycles were seized from the three and returned to their owners.
“This was a cowardly act, and this sort of behaviour will not be tolerated within our community,” Albrey said.
“It’s pleasing to be able to share with our local community that, through the support and information provided by members of the public and the proactive efforts of Police, these offenders have been identified and apprehended.”
The three have been referred to Youth Aid Services and enquiries remain ongoing.
