Xmas Presents Recovered, Pair On The Run

15 December 2008

"They're my presents but that's not how I wrapped them," was the general response from victims contacted to recover their stolen items following quick work by an off-duty Hamilton Police officer.

Senior Constable Bruce Bogun of the Hamilton Burglary Squad said the Christmas presents were part of a large haul of property recovered late last week that included five firearms.

"One of our staff had been enjoying a day off when he noticed a suspicious car with three occupants backing down the drive of his neighbour's.

"Ringing the station with the car's registration officers noted the vehicle was one of interest to the Police and city staff carried out a search of a Paul Cres address.

The off-duty officer meanwhile had gone next door to find his neighbours home ransacked.

As a result of a large number of stolen items found at the address a 22-year-old woman and a 14-year-old boy were arrested and charged with burglary.

"We've linked them to the burglary of 10 homes around Hamilton over the past two weeks and our enquiries are continuing into others," said Mr Bogun.

Apart from five rifles and shotguns the search team came across a haul of Christmas presents believed to have been taken from various homes.

"It's quite hard case, it appears the thieves unwrapped then rewrapped the parcels and as victims come in they've all told us they don't remember wrapping them like that."

With most of the stolen items presents for young children Police have photographed the majority of items to allow the property to be returned before Christmas to avoid disappointed youngsters.

While pleased with the positive results some serious work lies ahead for the enquiry team with two of the trio now on the run.

"The woman we caught, Jade Marie Dominey TAYLOR, 22, appeared in court and was granted bail to a Gisborne address but failed to turn up there," said Mr Bogun.

"To make matters worse her boyfriend, David WILLIAMS, 30, is thought to have been the third person in the car. A member of Black Power, Williams has a history of violence and is thought to be armed, we recommend he not be approached."

Anyone with any knowledge on the whereabouts of either WILLIAMS or TAYLOR is asked to contact their nearest Police Station.

ENDS

© Scoop Media