Alleged crowbar-wielding burglar remanded in custody in Kaitaia

Kaitaia District Court

A 20-year-old Kaitaia man who allegedly attacked his next door neighbour with a crowbar and demanded money was remanded in custody when he appeared before the Kaitaia District Court on Friday.

Regan King is due to appear again tomorrow to apply for bail on charges of aggravated burglary and wounding with intent to injure. Police opposed bail at Friday's appearance.

According to police, a man entered the victim's home via the back door shortly after 10pm on Thursday. He had disguised himself with a beanie and a hoodie, and was carrying a crowbar.

The male resident disturbed him in the kitchen, where the intruder was apparently looking for food. The offender struck him twice on the right arm and once on the back of the head with the crowbar, felling him, then fleeing.

A police dog tracked the man to the house next door, where according to police he had changed his clothes and had a shower. The victim suffered bruising and abrasions.

Meanwhile, four Kaitaia boys aged 14, 15 and 16 have been arrested, and a fifth is on the run, after an armed robbery at the Waipapa BP service station on Sunday evening.

Sergeant Ross Laurie said a vehicle stolen in Waipapa earlier in the day pulled up at the service station about 7pm on Sunday.

Four boys got out, entered the shop and pointed a gun at staff, who locked themselves in a back room. The boys fled north with tobacco, the cash drawer and chocolate.

A member of the public called police, who were already on SH10 north of Waipapa. When the youths saw a road block ahead they turned into a driveway, where some fled on foot.

Two were arrested while still in the vehicle, while two more were tracked by a police dog and located shortly afterwards. One was still on the run as of yesterday.

The four arrested have been charged with aggravated robbery and unlawfully taking a motor vehicle.