Five 15-year-olds in custody after alleged car theft in West Auckland
Monday 12 October 2026 · 2 outlets · 2 reports · updated 
Five 15-year-olds were taken into custody early Monday following an alleged vehicle theft on Te Atatū Road. Police tracked the car through West Auckland and onto the motorway before spiking the vehicle. The incident began around 3am when reports of the theft were received.
Key facts
5 facts
- Five 15-year-olds were taken into custody
- The incident occurred around 3am on Monday
- The vehicle theft was reported on Te Atatū Rd
- The vehicle was stopped using a spike strip at Walmsley Rd
- The occupants will be referred to Youth Aid Services
The full story
1 min read · 2 outlets
Five 15-year-olds were taken into custody early on Monday following an alleged vehicle theft and pursuit through west Auckland. Police were alerted to the theft on Te Atatū Rd at approximately 3am.
Officers searching for the vehicle spotted a car with a broken quarter light on Edmonton Rd. The vehicle failed to stop for a traffic stop and fled, leading the Eagle helicopter to monitor the car as it moved through west Auckland and onto the motorway.
Police successfully spiked the vehicle as it exited State Highway 20 at Walmsley Rd. The car stopped a short time later on James Fletcher Drive, where all five occupants exited and were apprehended without issue.
All five youths are aged 15 and will be referred to Youth Aid Services. Senior Sergeant Jon Winthrop stated, "It is disappointing to see young people engaging in this type of activity".
Compiled from reports by Stuff and 1News.