CCTV leads to arrests in Rotorua and Tauranga youth crime incidents

Police and local councils collaborate to nab offenders in coordinated operations.

Police have praised the efforts of local council CCTV operators in Rotorua and Tauranga for their vital role in the arrest of five young offenders following an attempted burglary early this morning.

The incident began around 2 a.m. when an alarm activation alerted Rotorua Lakes Council CCTV operators to an attempted burglary at a store on Amohau Street. Police responding to the report observed a vehicle fleeing the scene but abandoned their pursuit on Fairy Springs Road due to dangerous driving.

Thanks to Tauranga City Council CCTV operators, the vehicle was later spotted in Tauranga. Police successfully deployed road spikes near Paraone Koikoi Drive, bringing the vehicle to a halt. The five suspects, aged between 15 and 17, attempted to flee on foot but were quickly apprehended with the assistance of a police dog unit. They are due to appear in the Tauranga Youth Court today.

This incident mirrors a similar case on January 13 in Taupō, where another group of youth offenders attempted to burgle a commercial property on Ruapehu Street. CCTV footage was instrumental in tracking the suspects’ vehicle, which was also stopped using road spikes near Clayton Road. The offenders fled on foot but were arrested with the help of a dog unit.

While the two incidents are not believed to be linked, police highlighted the effective collaboration between law enforcement and local councils in both cases. Rotorua Area Prevention Manager Inspector Phil Gillbanks emphasised the value of CCTV as an investigative tool, stating that it strengthens the partnership between police and local councils.

“These arrests demonstrate the critical role council CCTV operators play in supporting police efforts to apprehend offenders and ensure community safety,” Gillbanks said.

Image credit: AS Photography