Christchurch police say they’re following strong lines of enquiry after three premises in Lyttelton were broken into by youths on Monday.

A cash register and cigarettes were among the items stolen.

Police spiked the vehicle involved in the incident on Rutherford Street, Woolston, at around 2:20 am.

A police spokesperson said the stolen items were located in the vehicle, however, the youths fled.

“Police are following strong lines of enquiry to locate the offenders. From initial enquiries, it appears the incidents are linked.”

Thanks to the businesses operating CCTV cameras Police were able to identify the vehicle involved quickly and track it.

Sergeant Anna Partridge said “police want to assure businesses and the public that we are monitoring the area, and are carrying out patrols to ensure the safety of our community.”

Anyone who witnessed the incident or has information that may assist enquiries is asked to call 105, and quote the file number ‘221227/3462’.

Information can also be provided anonymously through Crime Stoppers on 0800 555 111.

Meanwhile, Chris Lynch Media has seen private messages sent between the youth offenders boasting about their crime sprees and laughing at being “spiked” by police on Tuesday morning.

Chris Lynch Media understands one of the offenders involved in a recent smash-and-grab is 10 years old.

In one video, a young person is filmed cutting off their electronic monitoring ankle bracelet.