Pandora burglary: Hawke’s Bay police make arrest within 45 minutes thanks to CCTV

Gone in seconds, but caught within minutes.

A man alleged to have made off with a large number of high-value items in an early-morning raid in Napier was found by CCTV-watching police within an hour on Monday.

Police said a 47-year-old man was taken into custody, and his bail would be opposed, after the burglary of a store in Pandora, Napier.

Detective Senior Sergeant Sally Patrick said the incident occurred around 2.15am.

A security guard informed police the retail premises on Thames St had been broken into and a large number of “high-value items” stolen.

Once they arrived at the scene, police reviewed CCTV footage and identified a van believed to be involved.

Police found the van of interest about 3am, roughly 5km away in the suburb of Maraenui, along with items of use in a burglary and the stolen items.

The alleged offender was due to appear in the Hastings District Court on Monday, facing charges of burglary and possession of methamphetamine.

Inquiries are ongoing to identify and find two more people who are believed to have been involved.

Anyone with more information on the incident are asked to contact police on 105 and reference file number 240527/3816.