Search turns up stolen loot

Officers also found the three stolen nail guns at the address.

Police found a series of security cameras set up around a Taranaki property during a raid which turned up drugs and stolen property.

On August 28, a search warrant was executed at the Waitara home of Tony Watson Simpson.

The search followed a series of burglaries which had been committed in North Taranaki between June and August this year.

This included properties in David St and Junction St in New Plymouth, where builders’ tools were stolen, including two $900 nail guns.

A contract builder working at Inglewood High School had his $966 nail gun stolen while the Clifton Rowing Club was burgled of gear, including two outboard motors which were worth $3300 each.

The summary of facts outlined how police found a security camera monitor in the dining area of the house, which showed footage of the exterior of the property and the driveway. Another monitor was also found in the garage.

During the raid, Simpson was also searched by officers. A small metal tin was found in the 45-yearold’s pocket which contained 16 small zip-lock bags, each containing 0.1 grams of methamphetamine. Electronic scales, cut straws and a glass pipe were also found.

As police made their way through Simpson’s property, they found the two outboard motors stolen from the Clifton Rowing Club in a shed. Officers also found the three stolen nail guns at the address.

Simpson admitted he had the drug for his own personal use.

He told officers he bought the two outboard motors for $100 and knew they had been stolen, but when it came to the nail guns Simpson said he knew nothing about them.

At Thursday’s hearing in the New Plymouth District Court, Simpson pleaded guilty to four charges of receiving and one charge of possessing methamphetamine.

He was remanded into custody and will re-appear for sentencing on December 5. - Deena Coster