Source: New Zealand Police
Two off-duty constables in Kerikeri have been instrumental in the arrest of a man wanted for multiple burglaries across the Mid North.
It’s a broken-down van off Kerikeri Inlet Road that caught the attention of one off-duty constable, who clocked that one of the occupants was wanted to arrest after a series of burglaries, including the theft of a $40,000 boat.
A phone call to on-duty staff led officers to the van where they located a masked passenger. Their main man, however, was on a mission to find petrol, miles from anywhere.
However, his luck, like his fuel tank, ran dry when he unwittingly asked for petrol from an off-duty constable parked up nearby, the second of the night who would contribute to his downfall.
Summing up the man’s evening, Far North Area Commander Inspector John Fagan says: “It really wasn’t his night.
“He’s run out of fuel, been identified by off-duty staff, is unaware Police are closing in, and then he bumps into another off-duty officer. He was having one of those days.”
The man’s request for fuel was denied, so he carried on walking, giving officers time to plan a safe arrest.
When they located him, the man fled on foot and quickly learnt that a Police dog is both faster than a human and better at hide and seek. After a short tussle, the man was in custody and being treated for minor dog bite injuries.
“It’s a fantastic result,” Inspector Fagan says, “and an outstanding example of teamwork, initiative and coordination”.
“This guy has been on our Christmas card list for a while and getting him off the street is a big win for the community.
“The collective efforts of staff resulted in the arrest of a prolific burglary offender who’s connected to numerous investigations throughout the Mid North.”
Inspector Fagan said even when officers were off shift, “they’re still constables”.
“Our officers live in these communities, they’re part of our communities, and they want to be safe and feel safe like anyone else. If they see a chance to make their community safer, they’ll do it, on duty or off.
“I’m incredibly proud of them.”
A 37-year-old Kerikeri man is due to appear in the Kaikohe District Court tomorrow on fresh charges of burglary, theft, and breach of bail. He also faces five further charges of burglary, and a charge of intentional damage, relating to previous events.
ENDS
Issued by the Police Media Centre
Original source: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/07/05/never-off-the-clock-off-duty-cops-collar-prolific-burglar-whose-luck-ran-out/