Two teenagers from Northland have been taken into custody after being accused of stealing a car and using a machete to threaten shoppers during an attempted robbery that went awry. Senior Sergeant Mark Barratt, from the Mid-North police, reported that the young offenders targeted a service station on the main street of Moerewa just before 7pm on Tuesday.
Both teens were wearing ski masks, with one of them wielding a machete. Barratt mentioned that both staff members and a customer were threatened before the duo took cigarettes and fled in two stolen vehicles. Fortunately, the police were able to locate the abandoned cars shortly after in Kaikohe and apprehended the two teenagers at a nearby residence. They also recovered a bag containing the stolen cigarettes.
The 13 and 14-year-old suspects appeared in the Kaikohe Youth Court on Wednesday, facing charges of aggravated robbery and unlawfully taking a motor vehicle. Their next court appearance is scheduled for July 31. Barratt commended the swift action of the police in locating the offenders and ensuring that no injuries occurred as a result of their bold criminal actions.
He emphasized that such behavior will not be tolerated, and those involved will be held accountable for their actions. The community can rest assured that law enforcement will continue to uphold the law and ensure the safety of its residents.
