An 18-year-old man is due in court after a string of overnight burglaries and a fleeing driver incident in Whangamatā.
Police were first alerted around 1am after receiving multiple reports of a person unlawfully entering several commercial premises along Port Road. The offender allegedly stole a range of items, including cash, before officers arrived.
A passing member of the public witnessed the activity and provided police with descriptions of both the suspect and the vehicle, helping guide the initial response.
At about 2.30am, the vehicle believed to be linked to the burglaries reportedly crossed onto the wrong side of Tairua Road, into the path of a police unit. Due to the dangerous driving, officers initially chose not to pursue but continued monitoring the vehicle.
A short time later, police signalled for the vehicle to stop. The driver briefly pulled over before fleeing, prompting a pursuit.
The chase ended on Waihi Whangamatā Road when the vehicle crashed. The 18-year-old driver was taken into custody at the scene without incident. No injuries were reported.
Police say items believed to have been stolen from the Port Road businesses were recovered from the vehicle.
Eastern Waikato Area Commander Inspector Mike Henwood acknowledged the role of the public in the arrest.
“Information from a member of the public allowed us to respond quickly and ultimately led to this arrest,” he said.
Police are appealing for anyone in the Whangamatā area who may have witnessed suspicious activity overnight to come forward.
The man is scheduled to appear in the Hamilton District Court this morning, facing six burglary charges as well as charges of failing to remain stopped and reckless driving.
