|
Getting your Trinity Audio player ready...
|
Police have caught up with a burglar who broke into three homes, including one in which he was disturbed by the victim.
Members of the police’s tactical crime unit arrested the Papatoetoe-based man following a search warrant being executed, police say.
Counties Manukau West Police area commander, inspector Dave Christoffersen, says a Papatoetoe home was broken into late at night on March 28.
“The elderly victim was sleeping and was woken by the offender, and in the process, she disturbed his offending.
“While challenging this man to leave the property she was pushed aside, and the offender fled.”
Police say jewellery belonging to the victim was taken.
Officers responded to a 111 call on the night, and scene of crime forensic staff also attended the address.
“From there our enquiries have progressed, identifying a person of interest leading us to his doorstep,” Christoffersen says.
“This would be frightening for anyone in the community to experience, and the victim took great courage that evening.
“We have spoken to her and she’s relieved at this outcome.”
Police say they’ve charged the 26-year-old with burglary and aggravated assault over the incident.
He’s also been charged with two burglaries in Papatoetoe and Remuera earlier in March.
Christoffersen says the man has been remanded in custody to reappear in court in August.
“Police continue to actively target burglary offenders every single day, and we continue to ask members of the public to report any instances of suspicious behaviour in a timely manner.”
