Three 14-year-old boys are in custody after Christchurch police launched an operation to track suspects wanted over a string of commercial burglaries, dangerous driving incidents and stolen vehicles.

As first reported by chrislynchmedia.com, police had deployed a commercial helicopter this week after a stolen car was seen dangerous driving across the city.

Superintendent Lane Todd said officers had been investigating the group for several days.

“We investigate repeat offenders every day and had a strong lead in pinpointing a vehicle the suspects were using. We deployed the services of a helicopter for air support and surveillance, which proved vital in successfully locating the vehicle of interest,” he said.

Dog units were also involved in the operation.

One of the Police dog unit vehicles was involved in a crash with a private car during the response. Nobody was injured, and the crash is being investigated separately.

Superintendent Todd said the group had put lives at risk.

“Police have been very concerned with the behaviour of this group of youths over recent days. They have shown a total disregard for the safety of road users and Police staff. We are pleased that they have been arrested safely.”

Police are urging the public to call 111 if they see unlawful activity or contact 105 to report it after the fact.