Quick-thinking residents in Tītahi Bay helped foil a late-night burglary on Thursday, leading to the arrest of three young people and the recovery of $12,000 worth of stolen tobacco products.
Police said members of the public reported suspicious activity at a Main Road store around 10.40pm. Offenders had broken in and fled with bags filled with cigarettes, escaping in a waiting vehicle.
Officers quickly responded, flooding the area and locating three people of interest shortly after the alarm was raised.
“Thanks to the people who reported that suspicious behaviour, we were able to prevent a significant loss to a local business, and now three people are facing consequences for their alleged actions,” said Kāpiti Mana Area Commander Inspector Renée Perkins.
The offenders, a 19-year-old Porirua man and two teenage boys, have been charged in relation to the burglary. All three are due to reappear in the Porirua Youth Court on 11 September.
Police have credited the swift community response with the success of the operation.