Ram-raid suspects arrested

Two youths have been arrested and charged following an early-morning ram-raid in Southland, police say.

In a statement, police said they were called to Dunns Rd, in the outer Invercargill suburb of Otatara, about 4.35am on Thursday after a vehicle had been used to unlawfully enter a commercial premises.

Southland area prevention manager Acting Inspector Mel Robertson said the pair targeted alcohol and other items before leaving in two vehicles.

‘‘About 5.10am, police saw a vehicle of interest travelling at an excessive speed in Invercargill.

‘‘The vehicle was signalled to stop. However, it failed to do so. A pursuit was not initiated due to the manner of driving.’’

Officers later found it abandoned after it had collided with a parked vehicle. The second vehicle was also found abandoned.

‘‘With assistance from police dog units, officers tracked and located two youths who were taken into custody without incident,’’ Acting Insp Robertson said.

The pair will appear in Youth Court at a later date.

‘‘Police understand these incidents can have a significant impact on local businesses and the wider community, and we hope these arrests provide reassurance that police are holding alleged offenders accountable,’’ Acting Insp Robertson said.

Inquiries were continuing and police said further arrests may be made.

• Police 105 or Crimestoppers 0800 555-111 (file 260702/8410). — Allied Media