Quick-thinking students helped Police catch an alleged burglar in action yesterday.
In recent weeks Dunedin police have received several reports of day time burglaries in the north Dunedin area of the city, near the university.
Yesterday morning a male acting suspiciously was spotted at a student flat.
The residents, who were all university students, decided to challenge the man and followed him as he left the address.
They followed on foot at a safe distance and observed him while they telephoned police.
As a result, Police caught up with the 26-year-old man and are now making enquiries to establish the rightful owners of property he was carrying. This included watches, wallets and electronics.
Detective Inspector Steve Kelly, acting Dunedin Prevention Manager, says this is a fantastic piece of work by the students involved.
“Their vigilance has helped us to prevent further crime from occurring and we really hope this outcome will bring about a reduction in the number of burglaries in the area.
Information from the public goes a long way in helping us to apprehend offenders. We’re very grateful for the careful and considered approach these students took in responding to this incident,” says Inspector Kelly.
“This is a timely reminder that people need to lock their valuables away and secure their home properly when they leave.
If you witness what you might consider to be someone committing a crime, telephone the police immediately like these students did,” says Inspector Kelly.
ENDS
Issued by Police Media Centre