A Queenstown couple were arrested and jointly charged with theft at the opening of a new Wanaka bar early yesterday.
Wanaka police have praised the actions of staff at Mint bar, where security camera footage recorded the actions of a 31-year-old man and a 26-year-old woman.
Constable Bruce McLean said jackets and items of clothing were allegedly stolen during the opening night party at the bar.
"The staff had identified the culprits from the in-house cameras before police even arrived," he said.
Security camera footage showed the pair taking jackets from the bar, through into an adjoining backpackers hostel, and into the couple's room, Const McLean said.
Mint bar is part of the new X Base Wanaka backpackers complex recently opened on Brownston St.
"They have a very, very good [security] camera set-up in there," he said.
Police were called to arrest the two Queenstowners about 1am.
X Base Wanaka hostel general manager Matt Hearst declined to comment on the arrests.
