Youths, one aged 11, arrested after hammer attack on vape shop

Three youths allegedly used a hammer to smash their way into a South Auckland vape store — one as young as 11, according to police.

Police said it was notified of a group of four people who smashed through the glass door of a vape shop on Papatoetoe’s St George Street at around 1.25am.

Counties Manukau West area commander, Inspector Ross Ellwood said the youths took multiple items.

“One male armed with a hammer smashed most of the glass counter tops while two others grabbed items out from the smashed shelves.

“The group has taken a number of products before fleeing the store.

“A witness driving past at the time quickly notified police, who were on the scene within minutes and located the youths nearby.”

Ellwood said most of the stolen items had been retrieved.

“For those who choose to engage in this type of behaviour, know that we will continue to make arrests and hold those offenders to account.”

Ellwood thanked the member of the public who saw the incident and called the police, “which proved pivotal in these quick apprehensions”.

Police said three youths, aged 11, 13 and 14 have been referred to Youth Aid and enquiries were underway to identify the fourth youth.