Four men charged following crime spree

A GROUP of four men on a crime spree in Central Dunedin allegedly attempted to rob people using a screwdriver before threatening to stab a pubgoer for refusing to buy them a drink.

Senior Sergeant Anthony Bond, of Dunedin, said patrol officers were flagged down by a member of the public on Thursday night after a group of men entered an Octagon bar and one threatened to stab a patron if they did not buy them a drink.

The four men, aged between 19 and 25, allegedly started their night by stealing a Mazda Demio from Ward St between 5pm and 9pm.

They then drove around the central city area until about 10pm, when they spotted two 20yearold men walking down Princes St towards the Octagon.

One of the men in the vehicle, a 19yearold, went up to the two men, demanded they hand over phones and watches while threatening them with a screwdriver, Snr Sgt Bond said.

An onlooking woman intervened and told the 19yearold there was CCTV in the area, so he left with the other three men.

The group then hopped back in the vehicle, made their way to the Octagon and entered a bar.

One of the men then demanded a patron buy them a drink and when the person refused, he threatened to harm them with the screwdriver.

The person who was threatened left the bar, flagged down a passing patrol car and reported the incident to officers.

Police made inquiries and located the stolen vehicle in Bath St.

When the men were spotted, they evaded police — one of the men scaling the fire escape of a private property and climbing on to the roof.

Three men were located a short distance away, and all four men were arrested.

A 19yearold man was charged with unlawful taking of a motor vehicle and possession of an offensive weapon — a loaded BB gun.

The second 19yearold was charged with nine offences, including unlawful taking of a motor vehicle, possessing instruments for conversion, possession of an offensive weapon and two charges of demands with intent to steal.

He was also the driver of the vehicle and, when breath tested, returned a reading of 749mcg. The legal limit for people under the age of 20 is zero.

A 25yearold and 21yearold were charged with getting into a stolen motor vehicle.

All men except for the 25yearold had their bail opposed and will be appearing in Dunedin District Court this morning.