The value of random, routine vehicle stops was spelt out again in Hamilton this morning following the arrest of five men currently being interviewed in relation to a burglary.
Acting Senior Sergeant Craig Taylor said Police were called to reports of a burglar alarm being activated at a pharmacy at the Urlich Ave Shopping Centre shortly after 1am.
"It appears the metal cover plate of an in-ground fire hydrant was thrown into a window which, when smashed, allowed the offenders to gain entry into the store where they took a number of items including bottles of fragrances, some first aid kits and a packet of Lemsip sachets.
"A Police dog handler arrived and began a track at the rear of the scene but it became apparent the offenders had made off in a car."
Mr Taylor said any sense of triumph the offenders may have been enjoying was short lived however with a nearby patrol car seeing a Mazda 323 go past which appeared suspicious.
"The officers pulled the vehicle over and after spotting some perfume bottles in the car carried out a search of the vehicle recovering several items believed to have been taken from the pharmacy and a number of knives and bayonets.
"The five males, three adults and two juveniles have been arrested in relation to the burglary and are currently being interviewed by Police."
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