The ex-convict who was allegedly seen impersonating a medical student on Wellington Hospital grounds has been arrested and linked with a string of burglaries.
Police arrested Peta Edwards this morning after monitoring his bank accounts, cell phones and known addresses.
They found him shortly after he had allegedly cashed astolen cheque, Detective Sergeant Glenn Williams said.
The 26-year-old had been linked by CCTV footage, and by leaving his wallet behind at one scene, to thefts from Wellington Hospital and Victoria University.
Police suspected he had also been involved in burglaries from two other commercial buildings and had dressed in a way so as to not draw attention to himself, Mr Williams said.
"Police are pleased to have this alleged offender in custody and to bring a stop to any further offences.
"Based on the information we have gathered in this inquiry we believe he has used deception to commit these offences. His motivations remain unknown.''
Edwards allegedly offended against people going about their day-to-day jobs, many of whom were focussed on helping people, Mr Williams said.
"His alleged offending has effected the community for two weeks and that now been brought to an end.''
Edwards will appear in the Wellington District Court tomorrow on 20 charges of burglary, obtaining by deception, dishonestly taking and using documents and unlawfully being in a building.
