Whang¨¡rei Police got more than they bargained for after a man who entered a house and allegedly stole an orange was also found with a shotgun, a large amount of cash and a gang patch.
At about 5pm, Police were notified of a burglary at a property in Te Kamo where an unknown man had entered a house and taken an orange, before leaving again.
Whang¨¡rei Area Response Manager, Senior Sergeant Christian Stainton, says the occupants of the house, who were home at the time, contacted Police immediately.
¡°Police arrived quickly and located the male and his vehicle at the scene.
¡°A subsequent search of the vehicle has found a shotgun, a substantial amount of cash and a Head Hunters Motorcycle Gang patch.
¡°This was also a great example of how the community can assist us in reporting suspicious and illegal behaviour as it¡¯s happening.
¡°We want our communities to feel safe and be safe and we hope this arrest reflects our efforts.¡±
A 35-year-old man appeared in the Whang¨¡rei District Court today facing charges including burglary and unlawful possession of a firearm.
He has been remanded in custody to reappear at the end of the month.
ENDS.
Holly McKay/51½ÖÉä