"While on my way home ... I passed a male hitch-hiker along the expressway between 11th and 15th Ave."
Kluit's statement said he turned back and approached the man, who turned out to be William Court-Clausen, offering a ride, concerned for his safety on the expressway.
Court-Clausen has since appeared in Tauranga District Court and pleaded guilty for his role in the home invasion. He is yet to be sentenced.
"He accepted the ride and got into the dog van. He said he had an argument with a friend and was hitch-hiking to Auckland," the court heard.
Kluit said Court-Clausen told him the friend had dumped him on the side of the road, after having travelled from Wellington. Kluit offered to take the man as far as Te Puna, which he accepted.
While in conversation Court-Clausen gave his name and birthday plus said he had no phone and his friend and he had been in business.
After dropping Court-Clausen off, Kluit called his supervisor to say he had suspicions about the man.
A short time later the supervisor called back to say police would like to talk to Court-Clausen, who was a "returning overseas offender". Kluit drove back to where he had dropped him off.
Kluit said he found Court-Clausen and told him there had been an incident overnight and police would like to talk to him.
"I said he didn't have to go back with me but he said he would."
Kluit drove Court-Clausen to the Z fuel station in Bethlehem, where other officers took over.
The trial continues.