Burglar steals tag to escape court cell

A prolific teenage burglar is on the run after escaping from the Manukau District Court cells by allegedly bashing another prisoner, stealing his official identity bracelet and using it to get bail.

Byson Kanivatoa, 18, was due to appear in court on Monday on 11 counts of burglary, one of assault and two of breaching court conditions.

However, while in police custody before his appearance, Kanivatoa allegedly assaulted another prisoner and put the man's bracelet on his own wrist.

Counties Manukau police relieving District Commander Superintendent Nick Perry said officers monitoring the cell block did not see the alleged assault, or realise what Kanivatoa was doing.

The teenager has a long history of breaking into Manurewa houses and last year admitted committing 50 burglaries in a six-week period.

Police also believe he is leading a group of juvenile burglars.

In March 2009 Ollie Siaea was remanded in custody at the Manukau District Court after being charged with kidnapping a South Auckland man and holding him for ransom.

An hour later he pretended to be a prisoner, to whom he bore a resemblance, signed the other man's bail bond and left the court.

In January this year William Cooper was scheduled to appear in the Christchurch District Court on robbery and firearms-related charges when he escaped from the cells by impersonating another prisoner.

And in April James Rangihuna escaped police custody in Nelson after using the identity of another prisoner who was being granted bail to escape the Nelson District Court.

Mr Perry said the name bracelets used to identify prisoners were not easily removed.

"Nor are they able to be refastened if they are removed."

Mr Perry said Kanivatoa was actively evading police, who had been searching extensively for him since Monday. Kanivatoa has connections in the Counties Manukau area, Thames and Hamilton.

If anybody has any information regarding Kanivatoa's whereabouts, they can contact the Manukau Tactical Unit on 0274-753-184 or Crimestoppers on 0800-555-111.