Residents help with arrest of longtime fugitive

A man on the run from police after a string of burglaries and thefts — including the burglary of a Greymouth backpackers some time ago — was caught yesterday morning with the help of South Westland residents.

Tony Gorrie (48) was found lurking in the vicinity of the Paringa Salmon Farm and arrested about 9am.

He had been on the run from police for weeks. Police appealed early last month for residents on the West Coast and in Central Otago to be on the lookout.

West Coast police response manager Senior Sergeant Brent Cook said the arrest was "a good catch".

Gorrie was spotted  driving a stolen vehicle south of Bruce Bay by a local police patrol on Monday evening. Due to his dangerous driving, police abandoned attempts to get him to stop.

The vehicle was later found crashed off the road near Lake Paringa, where the driver had apparently decamped into bush in the remote area.

Police contacted residents, warning them to lock and secure their vehicles and also asking for their help in finding the man, Snr Sgt Cook said.

"This morning police deployed further staff in the area. A member of the public spotted the male and reported him to police."

A number of local people had helped in searching for and apprehending the man, and Snr Sgt Cook expressed gratitude on behalf of the police.

"[We had] a lot of help from the local community. It’s such a big area that you need the help of the local community and they did really well. It’s a good bit of work."

Gorrie was wanted for the burglary of the Duke Backpackers in Guinness St, Greymouth, a few months ago.He was also suspected of a string of vehicle thefts, burglaries and other thefts  around the South Island, including in Marlborough and Central Otago. Many of his targets were backpacker establishments.

"There will be quite a few charges ... We suspect he’s done quite a bit more all over the South Island," Snr Sgt Cook said.

Gorrie was due to appear in the Greymouth District Court either yesterday afternoon or today and police said they would oppose bail. 

- Brendon McMahon

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