Neighbours spot plant burglar raiding city streets
A midnight bush burglar has been busted allegedly prying newly planted trees and shrubs from the berms of a Hamilton subdivision.
The 28-year-old man tried to make a cross country getaway in his father’s car but didn’t make it past the farm gate fence with his trailer load of loot.
He’d borrowed the vehicle from his dad before allegedly hitching it up to a stolen trailer, Waikato police Senior Sergeant Scott Miller said.
Around 11.40pm on Sunday he and several others were spotted pulling out ‘‘reasonably sized’’ staked trees and grasses from the streets of a new subdivision off Wairere Dr in Chartwell.
‘‘Multiple people were seen removing the trees and putting them into the trailer.’’
Nearby residents spotted the night-time action and called police. Officers and dog handlers responded, arriving to find the vehicle fleeing the grounds.
The driver took off through the development before being intercepted at a farm gate off Carrs Rd, Miller said.
Police arrested the 28-year-old driver at the scene. He later allegedly tried to conceal a point bag of methamphetamine from police by dropping it on the ground and covering it with his foot. The man is now facing charges of theft, receiving a stolen trailer and possession of methamphetamine.
Inquiries were being made to identify others involved who apparently managed to run from the scene.
Police also recovered the load of stolen plants, including trees, grasses and shrubbery. It was not clear what the man intended to do with the greenery.
This isn’t the first time the subdivision has been targeted by thieves.
Several years ago whiteware was stolen from new houses being built in the area.
‘‘We appreciate people looking after their neighbour’s property,’’ Miller said.
He encouraged anyone who noticed suspicious behaviour to report it to police via 111 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
‘‘Multiple people were seen removing the trees and putting them into the trailer.’’ Waikato police Senior Sergeant Scott Miller