CCTV operators in Rotorua and Tauranga were crucial in apprehending five youths after an attempted burglary early on Thursday.

Rotorua area prevention manager Inspector Phil Gillbanks commended the collaboration between police and council CCTV teams.

“These arrests highlight the value of local partnerships and the vigilance of our camera operators,” he said.

About 2am, Rotorua Lakes Council CCTV operators spotted suspicious activity at a store on Amohau St after an alarm activation.

Police were notified, and a vehicle fleeing the scene was observed but failed to stop when signalled, driving dangerously onto Fairy Springs Rd and leaving Rotorua.

Due to the vehicle’s manner of driving, the pursuit was abandoned.

However, Tauranga City Council CCTV operators later spotted the same vehicle in Tauranga. Police successfully spiked the vehicle on Paraone Koikoi Drive, where it came to a stop.

The alleged offenders, aged 15 to 17, fled on foot but were quickly apprehended with the help of a police dog unit.

They were scheduled to appear in the Tauranga Youth Court today.

This co-ordinated effort follows another incident on January 13 in Taupō, in which four youths tried to break into a commercial premises on Ruapehu St using a vehicle.

CCTV operators detected the vehicle, leading to a successful spiking operation near Clayton Rd.

In both cases, the suspects fled on foot but were found and arrested with the help of dog units. Police say the two incidents are not connected.