The Eagle helicopter has returned to Christchurch as part of a two month police operation targeting a rise in youth offending across the city.

Police confirmed the aircraft will be in Christchurch from tomorrow and used at selected times throughout the operation.

Canterbury District Commander Superintendent Tony Hill said the decision signalled a strong response to escalating youth crime.

“In addition to Eagle’s deployment, we are also boosting the capability of the Youth Targeting Team with extra staff.

“Serious offences should be met with serious consequences, and we want our community to know that we are bringing in every available resource to help keep them safe.

“We understand there is a lot of frustration among the community following recent offending, and we hear you. This operation is being launched to disrupt offending patterns, hold offenders to account and deter any further offending.”

The operation follows an aggravated robbery earlier in the week in which a store worker was seriously injured by a young offender.

“We know the impact this has on business owners and their staff. Nobody should turn up to work in fear of becoming the next victim of this violent offending.

“Our message to the youths involved is simple, you can expect action to be taken if you are committing offences.”

Police will continue working with partner agencies during the operation and are urging anyone who witnesses offending to call 111 if it is happening now or 105 if it is after the fact.