Man arrested in relation to two shoplifting incidents

Tuesday, February 5
4.40pm: A 26-year-old English man was arrested in relation to two shoplifting incidents - one in Queenstown and one in Dunedin.

Constable Daniel Andrew, of Queenstown, said an off-duty police officer spotted the man, who was wanted for allegedly shoplifting groceries from Fresh Choice supermarket at 9pm on February 4.

Const Andrew said the man allegedly entered the supermarket with an empty backpack, filled it with groceries and left without paying for them.

Police also wanted to speak to him in relation to a theft from The Warehouse in Dunedin on February 1.

6pm: Two cars collided on the corner of Shotover and Athol Sts, causing minor damage to both vehicles but no injuries.

Const Andrew said it appeared one vehicle had been travelling on Shotover St and was indicating left to turn into Athol St but had ''changed his mind''.

''A car pulled out of Athol St thinking he was turning and he didn't.''

9.30pm: A rental vehicle crashed into a parked car after two German tourists tried to push-start it in Brecon St. Dan Andrew, of Queenstown, said the tourists were attempting to push-start the vehicle, when it started rolling down the hill.

''The steering wheel locked and they couldn't get inside it and it crashed into a parked car.''

The owners of an Arrowtown property reported an attempted burglary to police, after arriving home to find the door handle smashed off their Centennial Ave home's front door.

Const Andrew said entry to the property was not gained.

Wednesday, February 6
2am: A 26-year-old Queenstown man was arrested for assault and possession of cannabis after following a couple home from Queenstown.

Const Andrew said the man was ''harassing'' the couple while following them to their property.

On arrival he was ordered from the property, after which there was ''some sort of physical altercation''.

The man is due to appear in the Queenstown District Court on Monday.

2am: A 20-year-old Queenstown man lost control of the vehicle he was driving, causing it to crash into a bank and roll in Gorge Rd, near the deviation car park.

Const Andrew said neither the driver, nor his 20-year-old passenger, was injured.

''Blood was taken from the driver and we're awaiting [blood-alcohol] results.''

9am: A 28-year-old American man was arrested at 9am after he allegedly stole a pair of Ray Ban sunglasses, valued at $180, from the open lockers at Lakes Leisure.

The man will appear in the Queenstown District Court on February 11 charged with theft.