In a statement, police said they were called to Dunns Rd, in the outer Invercargill suburb of Otatara, about 4.35am yesterday, after a vehicle had been used to unlawfully enter a commercial premises.
Acting Inspector Mel Robertson, Southland area prevention manager, 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 in Bain St after it had collided with a parked vehicle. The second vehicle was also located abandoned in Joseph St.
"With assistance from police dog units, officers tracked and located two youth who were taken into custody without incident," Insp Robertson said.
"This was excellent work by frontline staff, who responded quickly to an incident and working together to identify, locate and apprehend those believed to be responsible."
The pair were due to 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," Insp Robertson said.
Inquiries were continuing and police said further arrests may be made.
The have appealed to the public for any information about the ram-raid. People could contact police online at 105.police.govt.nz, or call 105, and reference file number 260702/8410.
- Allied Media
