Police in Fredericton say five youths have been charged in a string of vehicle thefts.
Officers from the Fredericton Police Force and RCMP took the youths into custody last Thursday.
Investigators said the suspects were arrested after fleeing from police and causing major public safety concerns.
The vehicles were allegedly travelling more than 50 km/h over the speed limit at different locations and on separate occasions in the Fredericton region.
Police said the thefts are believed to have been crimes of opportunity and not related to larger organized crime.
All five youths have been charged with possessing stolen property over $5,000 and obstruction.
In addition, one is also charged with flight from police, dangerous operation of a conveyance, mischief endangering life, possessing a weapon for a dangerous purpose, failing to comply with a release order, and failing to comply with a sentence.
Another is facing additional charges of resisting arrest, carrying a concealed weapon, possessing methamphetamine, and failing to comply with a youth probation order.
Additionally, one of the youths faces more than 20 charges in connection with separate files from 2023 and 2024.
