Opportunist thief appears in court

A 25 year old man who committed several opportunist thefts was at last brought down by four determined members of the public in the weekend.

Sergeant Dave Knowles says that the male started in Picton where he stole a considerable quantity of cash from an organisation which he spent on a trip to Christchurch.

While in Merivale Mall last Saturday morning he made an opportunist theft of two expensive rings but was seen by a member of the public who alerted the shop owner. Both gave chase as the man took off. He attempted to snatch a handbag as he ran past a woman however the handle broke.

The two pursuers were joined by a third man and they flagged down a passing courier van to keep up. The offender was apprehended in a nearby property after running round the block and handed over to police.

The 25 year old appeared on court yesterday on three counts of theft and has been remanded to the Blenheim District Court for 15 June.