|
Getting your Trinity Audio player ready...
|
Police have arrested five people associated with the Headhunters gang after a series of arsons, burglaries and damage attacks on Ōrewa businesses across September to early November.
Waitematā North Area Commander Inspector John Thornley said Operation Governor has focused on a cluster of connected incidents, including an arson at a café on November 1, an attempted arson, and further criminal damage.
“Our CIB staff have been working hard to identify those responsible for this spree of offending,” Thornley said.
“Those enquiries have led us to believe that these events are linked, and we have laid charges as a result.”
Police carried out a series of search warrants across west Auckland and the North Shore today, resulting in four arrests and 23 charges laid, with a fifth person referred to Youth Aid. One offender remains outstanding.
Those arrested range in age from 15 to 42, with charges including arson (x2), burglary (x2), intentional damage (x2), and unlawfully taking a motor vehicle (x2).
All four arrested adults are expected to appear in the North Shore District Court tomorrow, December 10.
Inspector Thornley said the arrests should reassure the local community.
“It’s always concerning in such a tight-knit community when a series of confronting events like this happen in such a short space of time,” he said.
“Police will continue to prosecute those who seem to think this sort of behaviour is acceptable.
“We acknowledge those who have assisted our enquiries in recent weeks.”
