Oamaru man arrested following string of rural burglaries around region

AN OAMARU man faces several charges related to a string of burglaries targeting rural North Otago properties over three days.

Properties or outbuildings in Oamaru Creek, Windsor Park, Teaneraki, Coalpit, Airedale, Homestead, Mt Misery, Ferry and Seven Mile Rds were all entered and a variety of items stolen, including farm equipment, fuel, clothing, jewellery and other items.

All of the burglaries were committed between Saturday and Monday.

A silver Mitsubishi Triton flatbed ute reported stolen from a Kakanui Valley Rd address on Monday, which police believe was used in at least one of the burglaries, was later found burned out in Old Mill Rd.

Detective Sergeant Hannah Booth, of Oamaru, confirmed yesterday a 24yearold Oamaru man was arrested at a Weston Rd address on Wednesday and at this stage, will be charged with nine counts of burglary and one of arson.

He will appear in the Oamaru District Court at a later date.

Det Sgt Booth said police were not seeking anyone else in relation to the crimes, and were working to piece together the alleged offender’s movements during the crime spree.

‘‘It’s still quite early in our investigation. We have still got quite a lot of facts to establish, really.’’

Police have advised rural residents to ensure they have appropriate security measures in place and to report any sightings of suspicious vehicles to police.

Police also wanted to speak to anyone who had been offered cheap fuel over the past several days.