A HEAVY police presence was noted in Te Kūiti yesterday when multiple people were detained on the rail overbridge (above), after fleeing a Ford Courier with its tyres spiked (bottom left). A Mazda Familia with smashed windows and a damaged ignition was left at Mangaokewa Reserve after crashing into a bollard and is believed to be connected (bottom right).
POLICE were kept busy yesterday morning connecting the dots after a burglary at SuperValue Te Kūiti, the spiking of a vehicle and offenders caught on the rail overbridge. King Country News understands multiple people were detained after fleeing over the rail overbridge in Te Kūiti when their spiked vehicle eventually came to a stop on Rora St. Speculation on social media suggested events started at about 9.30am on Wednesday with a car doing wheelies in Mangaokewa Reserve. At 10am a silver Mazda Familia with seven smashed windows and a damaged ignition barrell remained crashed into a bollard at the reserve. The next event in the chain appeared to be a blue Ford Courier being spiked by police and stopping on Rora St. It was towed away just before 10am. Police could be seen walking a male with his hands behind his back down the Carroll St side of the rail overbridge shortly after the tow truck left. It is unclear exactly how many police officers were involved or how many people were arrested, but the police presence was heavy. Prior to the events of Wednesday morning, SuperValue was burgled. Speaking before the commotion on Rora St, Te Kūiti sergeant Craig Lindstrom said a number of stolen vehicles had been located and linked to a burglary overnight at SuperValue Te Kūiti. In the smash and grab at SuperValue it appeared foodstuffs and vape products were targeted, he said. He said exhibits connected to the burglary were located with one of the stolen vehicles. SuperValue customers reported not being able to purchase Lotto from the shop yesterday due to the till being damaged in the burglary. Six youths were apprehended, five of whom were from Auckland. Four were released on bail, while two were detained in custody.
