News of an arrest after a brazen smash-and-grab at an Oamaru jewellery store last month, during which stock worth more than $13,000 was stolen, has come as a relief to the business’ owner.
Police executed a search warrant at a Reed St address at about 2pm on Sunday, and arrested a 35-year-old Oamaru man in relation to the December 10 burglary at Ballantynes Showcase Jewellers in lower Thames St.
The man appeared in the Timaru District Court yesterday on a charge of burglary and a string of other unrelated charges.
He will make a second appearance in the Oamaru District Court tomorrow.
Ballantynes Showcase Jewellers owner Wendy Bradfield said she was pleased an arrest had been made.
"I feel relieved and I feel just really happy that someone is going to be made accountable really. I was absolutely stoked. It’s been a month of worry."
It is alleged the man smashed a front display window about 1.20am and helped himself to 94 pieces of Meadowlark jewellery — valued at about $13,120 — including rings, necklaces and earrings.
A police spokeswoman said some stolen property was recovered at the address, including items believed to have been taken during the jewellery store break-in.
Mrs Bradfield had since beefed up security at the store, and thanked police for "following through" and making an arrest.
She earlier told the Otago Daily Times the burglary had left her "devastated", especially so close to Christmas, and said yesterday she managed to get through the busy festive season with the remaining Meadowlark stock she had on hand.
Meanwhile, a 28-year-old Oamaru man was also arrested at the address and charged in relation to the alleged burglary of a Reed St property on January 11.
He will appear in the Oamaru District Court at a later date.
