A man described by police as a "recidivist burglar and thief", who was linked to hundreds of crimes around the lower South Island, was arrested in Invercargill on Saturday.
Tony Ashley Gorrie (42) was found by Invercargill police in a city bar and arrested after a brief chase on foot.
Gorrie was arrested forbreaching conditions of his release from Invercargill Prison.
He was spoken to about the theft of a car in Owaka on March 16, the use of a stolen credit card to buy items, and a police pursuit when a driver failed to stop in Oamaru, among other matters.
"He's known for targeting backpackers and hotels, basically anywhere where there's half an opportunity," Acting Sergeant Jason Reid, of Queenstown, said yesterday.
Gorrie is expected to appear in the Invercargill District Court on a date to be scheduled.
