Police Notebook: Long chase between Rotorua and Taupo ends in arrest

The following incidents were reported to Rotorua police during the past few days:

A man who allegedly led police on a car chase lasting nearly 150km between Rotorua and Taupo has been arrested.

The chase started on Ngongotaha Rd late on Friday night when police spotted a car that had been stolen from Hamilton.

Senior Sergeant Dennis Murphy said the driver allegedly failed to stop for police and a chase started.

Mr Murphy said the chase went along Fairy Springs Rd, Old Taupo Rd and headed on to State Highway 5 south of Rotorua towards Taupo.

Mr Murphy said the driver allegedly swerved to avoid deflation devices deployed by police.

When the chase reached Taupo, the driver turned around and headed back towards Rotorua on Broadlands Rd.

Police successfully spiked the vehicle near Settlers Rd and the vehicle came to a stop on State Highway 5 near Old Waiotapu Rd, Mr Murphy said.

A 30-year-old man was arrested and charged with breaching police release conditions, failing to stop for police, driving a motor vehicle recklessly, dangerous driving, unlawfully taking a motor vehicle, assault with intent to injure and breaching a protection order.

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Rotorua has had another relatively successful weekend with fewer dishonesty offences.

Senior Sergeant Andy Allerton said there were four burglaries and five thefts from vehicles, which was considerably fewer than the start of the week.

Mr Allerton said police had known dishonesty offenders currently in custody or on bail with strict conditions, which police were monitoring closely. He said it was believed that was helping to keep the offences down.

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A call from the member of the public to report suspicious behaviour ended with police making a quick arrest of someone committing a burglary at a commercial premises in Rotorua.

Mr Allerton said the man was spotted at a transport firm on Saturday morning.

Police were called and cordons were set up. The man was arrested with the help of a police dog.

Meanwhile, police have charged a youth who was allegedly found in possession of stolen property from up to three residential burglaries in Rotorua, Mr Allerton said.

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The following vehicles have been reported stolen from Rotorua during the past week.

A green 1996 Nissan Torano registered CQK526 from Springfield on Thursday. A silver 1998 Toyota RAV4 vehicle registered GHW480 was stolen from Glenholme on Thursday. A black 1994 Suzuki Cultus registered AHL509 was stolen from Victoria on Wednesday.

If you know where these vehicles are, contact police on 0800 CRIMESTOPPERS.