Five youths have been arrested after a spate of vehicle thefts across Canterbury this afternoon ended in a crash which closed State Highway 76 ahead of the Christchurch end of the Lyttelton Tunnel.
Canterbury Metro Commander Superintendent Lane Todd said police were investigating whether those arrested have links to several serious incidents in Christchurch over the past week.
“Police were first alerted to four balaclava-clad men in upper Riccarton, leaving a vehicle on Field Terrace before getting into a second car about 1.30pm.
“Shortly before 2pm, police were alerted to another stolen vehicle being driven around the Riccarton area.”
Several 111 calls were made about the manner of driving, including reports of excessive speed and a vehicle driving on the wrong side of the road.
Todd said a “significant” response was launched which involved specialist police units.
“A helicopter was also used by officers to search for and monitor the vehicle, tracking it from the city to Kaiapoi and through North Canterbury before it headed back towards Christchurch.”
Police did not pursue the vehicle due to the “dangerous” manner of driving but kept tracking it from the air.
A red light at the Lyttelton Tunnel had stopped traffic as the vehicle approached Tunnel Rd.
Todd said this forced the suspect vehicle, which was on the wrong side of the road, to do a U-turn.
“The offending car then collided with another just before 4pm.”
Four teenage boys were taken into custody at the scene with a fifth arrested at a New Brighton address.
All five were aged between 13 and 15.
Tunnel Rd was closed between Port Hills Rd and Bridle Path Rd due to the incident. No serious injuries were reported and police inquiries were ongoing.
Todd said it was “only luck” no one was injured as a result of today’s events.
“The driving behaviour was incredibly concerning and could so easily have resulted in someone being killed.
“We sincerely thank everyone who called 111 today, from reporting suspicious activity to concerning driving behaviour, the information provided by the public helped us locate the suspects and prevent further harm to our community.”