New Zealand Police Alert 2:00pm 3 Mar 2008 Canterbury

Location of incident: Christchurch

Incident type: Arrest for Aggravated Burglaries

Press Release

Police today arrested a 38 year old female and 47 year old male who now face charges in relation to an Aggravated Burglary, Burglaries, Aggravated Assault and Fraud at retirement homes in Christchurch over the past several months.

One of the charges the pair faces relates to the Aggravated Burglary of a Tudor Avenue rest home on the 7 January 2008, where a staff member who confronted the female was sprayed with mace or a similar substance.

Detective Sergeant Greg Cottam of Papanui Police said that 'residents of rest homes deserve respect and dignity and these offenders were despicable and the lowest of the low.' He assures the public that anyone committing similar offending will be tracked down and face similar charges.

The pair have been held in custody to appear in the Christchurch District Court on Tuesday 4 March 2008.

Papanui Police are collating thefts and burglaries from rest homes and further charges are expected to be laid against the pair.

Any information should be forwarded to Constable Amanda Dalzell at Papanui Police on 03 374 1700.

ENDS

© Scoop Media