Stratford Police are seeking help from the public in locating 22-year-old Matthew Joao EDWARDS.
EDWARDS has outstanding warrants to arrest and is also wanted to locate in relation to the burglary of a rural property in Whanganui yesterday (11 December, 2013) where a Nissan 4x4 vehicle was taken.
He has connections in Stratford and throughout the Central North Island.
He is described as being of Maori descent, of medium build, approximately 5 foot 8 in height, with black hair and hazel coloured eyes.
"We believe that someone may be helping EDWARDS evade Police and I want to remind them that assisting him may lead to prosecution," says Detective Drew Bennett of the Stratford Police.
The public should not approach EDWARDS but instead call 111 immediately.
"I also want to take this opportunity to remind the public about the importance of protecting your property and your neighbour's property by removing opportunities for burglars."
A great way to prevent burglaries is to report any suspicious behaviour to your local Police Station or call 111.
"Police appreciate it when people call about things that are not quite right in their neighbourhood. If you have a gut feeling that something is wrong then it probably is," says Detective Bennett.
If anyone knows the whereabouts of EDWARDS or has seen him please contact Detective Drew Bennett of the Stratford Police on (06) 765 8869.
Information can also be provided anonymously to the organisation Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
For crime prevention and safety tips, check out the Police website with a link to a crime prevention video: http://www.police.govt.nz/protecting-your-stuff
Householders can also take advantage of Operation SNAP which enables anyone to record serial numbers and other unique identifying details of their valuable goods on an electronic database for free. Visit www.snap.org.nz for further information. Operation SNAP is a completely secure website and is supported by NZ Police.