Five alleged car thieves were arrested north of Christchurch earlier this week after driving into Pegasus — a town with one road out and police waiting at the end of it.
Police said the group were arrested at around 2am on Wednesday after two vehicles stolen earlier in the night from Bishopdale and St Albans were tracked to Pegasus.
Officers set up road spikes on the sole access road and waited until the alleged thieves drove over them.
“They’ve kept driving for a short distance, but the spikes did their job and both cars eventually came to a stop,” said Senior Sergeant Stephen McDaniel.
All five suspects, aged between 13 and 23, were arrested without further incident.
Police found a third vehicle had been interfered with in Pegasus.
“All they’ve done is break a window and make a mess of the ignition – and sadly, that’s a headache for yet another car owner,” McDaniel said.
He said car theft was an “ongoing problem” and urged vehicle owners to buy immobilisers or steering wheel locks if they parked on the street.
“Even with attempted car theft, it’s more than an inconvenience, because offenders can cause a lot of damage to the ignition when they’re attempting to start the car.
“This offending has a real impact on real people’s lives, and we need the community’s help to prevent it.”
Anyone who came across suspicious activity, such as people casing vehicles, should contact police on 111.
A 13-year-old has been referred to Youth Services while four others were due to appear in the Christchurch District Court and Christchurch Youth Court.
Charges included unlawful taking of a motor vehicle, attempting to unlawfully take a motor vehicle, unlawful possession of an air rifle, and failing to stop for police.
