April Fools Day arrest in Porirua

A man riding a bike without a helmet pulled the fingers at Porirua staff yesterday and ended up getting more than he bargained for.

Officer in charge of the Porirua CIB Detective Senior Sergeant Mike Oxnam says about 7:45am yesterday morning, Acting Sergeant Peter Reeves and Constable William Joines were patrolling in the Champion Street, Cannons Creek area.

"A 20 year old male of no fixed abode was riding a mountain bike he had allegedly stolen overnight from a garage in Miramar. He 'flicked the bird' to the pair who responded by stopping to discuss this with him and to deal with him for riding without a cycle helmet."

D/S/S Oxnam says checks established the man had a warrant for his arrest and a search of his bags showed he was in the possession of stolen property from the Miramar address and from two thefts from vehicles.

"With the assistance of the Porirua duty CIB, Detectives Vanessa Knyn, and Jocelyn Bell, Constable Joines continued his interview with the offender and identified up to 50 vehicles he had allegedly broken into in the Plimmerton, Whitby, Papakowhai, Tawa and Miramar areas."

The 20 year old has appeared in the Porirua District Court today charged with burglary, theft ex car (x2) and possession of an offensive weapon. Further charges are pending.

D/S/S Oxnam says the offender will most likely be regretting his April Fools Day joke but on a serious note, this offender always targeted insecure vehicles.

"We urge residents to remember to always lock your vehicles and remove any valuables from the vehicle to reduce your chances of being the victim of a theft or burglary."