A gang of teens as young as 13 have been caught breaking into cars, doing drugs, and driving recklessly in the Tauranga area through a shared iCloud account.

A step-dad of one of the teens claims himself and the child's biological mother discovered videos of 'about 10” teens who record themselves committing crimes to 'show off” on Snapchat.

He says some of the crimes include 'breaking into cars” in the Otūmoetai area.

The crimes first began 'about four months ago” according to the step-dad, after the child ran away to his biological father.

After discovering the crimes, he immediately reported evidence to police and Oranga Tamariki.

Despite this, the man feels 'helpless” at the lack of action taken against the group of criminals who he claims have yet to face any consequences.

'Is a person going to be killed before something is done? I feel powerless. There is a child who is driving and at times is stoned while doing it.”

The man says he has watched his step-son become involved with 'the wrong people” who are familiar with how to 'get out of” facing any repercussions for their crimes.

'They know if they hide at someone's house and get someone else to answer the door, there's no way they will get caught.

'Oranga Tamariki are starting to help now, but it feels like an ambulance at the bottom of the cliff situation. I don't want something even more serious to happen before they do something about this.”

A local Tauranga policeman says the number of offenders aged 10 – 14 years dealt with by Police has been relevantly consistent over the last three years. Photo: RNZ.

New Zealand Police Tauranga area prevention manager Inspector Zane Smith says he acknowledges the position the man has taken in relation to his step-son, and how difficult it would have been.

'When notified of such examples, Police Youth Services work alongside the young person and their whanau to not only hold them accountable for any criminal offending they have done, but to find opportunities for prevent further offending.

'With the assistance of our community partners, interventions can be put in place to help the young person and their whanau.

'As with previous years, Western Bay of Plenty Police have dealt with several offenders aged 10 – 14 years.

'The number of offences attributed to an individual young person can influence some statistical information.

'For example, an individual commits multiple offences it can give the impression that there are more offenders of in a particular age category. In general terms the number of offenders aged 10 – 14 years dealt with by Police has been relevantly consistent over the last three years.

'Police continue to investigate these crimes and, where possible, hold offenders to account.”

Police encourage people to take the following preventative measures:

• Ensure your vehicle is locked and all valuables are removed or out of sight.
• Install an alarm system – or if you already have one, please make sure you use it.
• If possible, park your vehicle in a garage, but if it must be parked on the road, try park it in a well-lit area.

'Joining a neighbourhood support group can be beneficial to deterring theft, as more people in your neighbourhood can keep an eye out for suspicious activity. Let your neighbours know if you are going away and keep an eye on their property if they're away.

'Police also ask the community to check security cameras and report any suspicious behaviour immediately. The sooner the crime is reported, the sooner it can be investigated.

'Please report all crimes of this nature to Police rather than taking matters into your own hands as this can put yourself at risk.

'If you see any suspicious behaviour in or around vehicles occurring now please call 111.

'Information can also be reported to Police on 105, or anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 after the fact.”