Counties Manukau West Police credit the quick thinking and attentiveness of two members of the public for the apprehesion of a burglar caught red handed in Papatoetoe yesterday.
The victim arrived home at about 2:30pm to find an unknown man walking out of his driveway carrying a familiar black bag. The man claimed to be doorknocking, recruiting for a local sports team; however the victim was suspicious of his story. The man left the driveway and began to walk up the road towards the bus stop.
“The victim then ran up the long driveway to his house where he confirmed his suspicions,” says Sergeant Marcel Fale. “A room in the house had been entered, searched and left in an untidy state. He noticed that some of his belongings were missing including shoes and watches, and confirmed that the bag the offender was carrying was actually his.”
The victim ran to find the offender but he had boarded a bus on Wallace Road, Papatoetoe.
“As the victim called Police, a member of the public assisted him by following the bus in another vehicle. Police were able to respond immediately and locate the man on the bus in possession of the stolen items. He was arrested and has been charged with the burglary.”
“This is great work by the victim and the member of the public who followed the offender at a safe distance and alerted the Police quickly. The more information we have and the sooner we receive it, the better we are able to respond. In this case the result was really positive and we commend the two people who assisted us to apprehend the offender.”
Further enquiries following the apprehension of the 25-year-old led Police to another offender, an 18-year old who had six warrants for his arrest for a range of charges including aggravated robbery and burglary.
“All in all it was a great result to apprehend these two people and prevent further burglaries in the area,” says Sergeant Fale. “We remind everyone to call 111 whenever they see something suspicious. If you see something in your neighbourhood that you consider to be out of the ordinary, please let us know as soon as possible. This could include someone looking into car windows or a person loitering in the street who you think doesn't have any reason to be there. In many cases when we receive information like this it can prevent a burglary or the theft of a car.”
Information about crime can also be provided anonymously to the organisation Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
ENDS
Issued by Kimberley Mathews/Communications Manager, Counties Manukau Police
021 192 0717