A Mid North man accused of a string of crimes over the weekend has been nabbed after a police chase - on foot along a busy Paihia beach.
Senior Sergeant Peter Robinson, of Kerikeri, said police patrol cars had twice pursued the Kawakawa man over the weekend but had to abandon the chase each time to avoid putting the public at risk.
The 20-year-old was believed to have been responsible for a series of car thefts in the Kawakawa area.
However, just before 2pm on Monday police were informed that the wanted man was on Ti Beach, on the Paihia waterfront near the Puketona Rd roundabout.
Paihia police were quick to reach the scene and gave chase on foot along the beach.