Man wanted in theft from Chinese visitors located

A Northland man wanted for interview by Police in relation to the theft of property from a group of visiting Chinese dignitaries on Monday was arrested in Whangarei yesterday.

Hamilton Tactical Coordinator, Detective Sergeant Mark Greene said the tracking down of the man they wanted to speak to about the theft from the tourist bus came as a result of a real team effort.

"When our staff were called to the Hamilton Gardens they were able to identify who we needed to speak to within two hours and within a very short period of time our Northland colleagues had been advised.

"Yesterday they advised us the 17-year-old man had been arrested in Whangarei on other matters and he is currently being interviewed in relation to what happened in Hamilton on Monday," said Mr Greene.

The six overseas visitors are understood to have returned home to China yesterday before they could be advised Police had located a person of interest.

Hamilton Police are working with the Chinese Consulate to ensure the victims are advised and to update them on any arrest.

"Earlier this week we spoke of perceptions on the safety of New Zealand being put at risk by such incidents, hopefully with the quick location of this man this country's reputation as a safe place to visit is secured through competent Police work," said Mr Greene."