Man wanted in relation to upper South Island bach burglaries

Police are asking the public to be on the lookout for Adam Power Wahanui who is believed to be currently in the Marlborough Sounds area.

There is a warrant for Wahanui's arrest in relation to the burglary of a bach at St Arnaud on the weekend of 5-6 May. Police would like to speak to Wahanui in regard to two other burglaries at St Arnaud that weekend.

At that time Wahanui was driving a stolen red Holden Commodore, registration FST395. That vehicle has now been recovered in Keneperu Sound and police believe Wahanui is now driving a green Toyota Prado, registration AWJ275.

Wahanui is a male Maori aged 46 years, about 175 cm tall.

He is suspected to have been involved in burglaries of baches between Queen Charlotte and Keneperu Sounds in the past week.

Police are seeking information about sightings of either of the vehicles Wahanui has been driving and are asking bach owners to arrange to have their property checked to see if it has been entered.

Senior Sergeant Peter Payne of Picton Police urged people to contact their local police immediately if they see anything suspicious, or if they discover a property has been entered.

"We have good reason to believe this man poses a significant risk to property and we need to track him down quickly. Information from the public will be vital in achieving this before further loss or damage is sustained," he said.