Three people have been charged this morning following attempts to steal copper cabling.
Police were first made aware of the incident at a development site in Waikanae, Kāpiti Coast, at approximately 1am this morning.
After being discovered, one alleged offender was taken into custody, while the other two fled on foot. Police established cordons and the Police Dog Unit was able to track and apprehend another, with a third person located a short time later hiding in a pond.
Police also discovered approximately 50 metres of cabling near the offenders’ vehicle.
The three men, aged 33, 39 and 45yrs will appear in the Porirua District Court tomorrow (6 October) facing charges including theft, possession of methamphetamine and possession of a knife.
“It was excellent work by our teams,” Area Commander for Kāpiti-Mana Inspector Renée Perkins says.
“We are seeing an increase in copper thefts across the region, so we’re asking the public if they see something to report it.”