Chatwin said the factors that motivated teenagers to commit violent crimes were multifaceted and should be addressed to combat the issue. Some of the factors included abuse, a history of violence, family circumstances and involvement with drugs and alcohol. We are seeing them posted to social media where people look and laugh and then try to simulate these horrifying acts. Police told the Herald they located the group of offenders a short time later in Beachlands and they were taken into custody. The mother said the group of offenders allegedly fled and committed another assault and theft only days later.

Source: New Zealand Herald January 03, 2026 17:34 UTC