A boy whom police describe as a serial burglar has assaulted his Child, Youth and Family caregivers after just one night in their care.
The 11-year-old was placed in care in Napier on Wednesday after being arrested for multiple burglaries, but reacted badly when he was not allowed to go to the supermarket.
Police say the boy was not allowed to leave the property as he is a flight risk and was only there until a bed in a secure facility became available.
Sergeant Allan Potter, the head of the Napier's police youth services, says the boy has now been moved to Auckland where it is hoped a better environment will help him.
The boy was arrested on Tuesday for burglary with three other young people, one of them his 12-year-old brother.
Police say the boy has been involved in about 10 burglaries in recent months. He does not attend school and is difficult to deal with, as is his family who has gang connections.
