Police were on the trail to find an alleged jewellery burglar, arresting him overnight.
Units responded to a residential burglary in progress on Stratford Road, Manurewa shortly before 11pm on Tuesday.
Inspector MinHo Lee, Counties Manukau Central Area Prevention Manager, says a house alarm was sounding at the time.
“Vigilant community members knew the homeowners were away, and did the right thing and called us,” he says.
“Units arrived at the address and found clear signs that the house had been burgled.
“The alleged offender had also injured himself in his hurry to leave the property on hearing Police units arriving in the area.”
Inspector Lee says a dog handler was also deployed and began tracking.
“They were on the right trail and located a man with injuries in the nearby area.”
A 23-year-old man was arrested, who was also found to be carrying jewellery he had allegedly just taken from the address.
Police took the man to Middlemore Hospital for treatment, and he will appear in the Manukau District Court today on a burglary charge.
Inspector Lee is praising the community member’s vigilance in calling 111 straight away.
“This is a great example of the community looking out for each other and letting Police know that offending was taking place.”
