Senior Constable Steve Griffiths, of Milton, said about 12.30am on Saturday an offender used an axe to force open the front door of the Milton Night 'n Day store on Union St.
He said the offender entered the shop, which activated the alarm, and went behind the counter and into the cigarette storage area, putting cigarettes in a large bag. He then removed two cartons of cans of V energy drink and another couple of cans from the fridge before leaving the store and putting the items in his car.
Snr Const Griffiths said the man then returned to the shop where he took more cigarettes from the storage area and then attempted to take two empty tills. He placed them on the bench before leaving them behind.
He said some Balclutha residents who were driving past saw a man placing the items in his car, and turned the car around and started to follow him. A second vehicle with two Milton people in it also saw him and they took down the car details and registration number.
Snr Const Griffiths said as a result of the information from the public, a 19-year-old Milton man was arrested within 60 minutes of the alleged incident.
Police had recovered about $2500 worth of cigarettes and 28 large cans of V.
A man appeared in the Dunedin District Court on Saturday and is due to reappear on October 19.
Snr Const Griffiths praised the efforts of members of the public, adding it showed people were vigilant.
• Police are seeking information after a vehicle was driven through a Clinton park early on Saturday. Senior Constable Blair Corlet, of Clinton, said a utility vehicle left State Highway 1 through Clinton shortly after 3am on Saturday morning and drove through the triangle playground on the main street, opposite Clinton Primary School. He said the vehicle hit a sign and a large bush.
A Clinton resident saw a grey or silver Toyota double-cab utility vehicle driving through the park and reported it to police.
Snr Const Corlet asked anyone with information about the incident, including information about a utility vehicle matching this description and with frontal damage, to contact the Balclutha police (03) 418-0203.
• Police are seeking information after someone damaged a taxi in Balclutha early on Sunday. Senior Sergeant Richard Whitmore, of Balclutha, said someone walked over the top of the taxi, which was parked in Cromer St.
