One stop proved one too many for a wanted man who is now facing charges after of a week-long stealing spree across Whangārei.

Police allege the man is responsible for several large thefts from local supermarkets and used multiple vehicles to leave the scene at speed to avoid capture.

“One of our officers spotted him leaving a Whangārei supermarket and decided to follow him,” says Senior Sergeant Christian Stainton of Northland Tactical Response Team.

“It was a good call because a short time later the officer spotted the offender in a completely different car and called for back-up.”

Police followed the man and were concerned by his driving behaviour.

“At one point he collided with a civilian vehicle and continued on without stopping,” Senior Sergeant Stainton says.

“Fortunately, there were no injuries despite the careless behaviour.”

Police hatched a plan to stop the man as quickly as possible.

“He was taken in custody when he stopped at a local service station.”

The man accused of stealing and putting people at risk now faces 15 charges related to recent events.

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