The fleeing man was eventually caught after a two hour chase involving a dog team.
Police had traced the man to the property using CCTV after he was caught on camera on the University of Otago campus in the middle of the night.
Acting Senior Sergeant Simon Reay, of Dunedin, said police were alerted to an alarm activation at the university’s School of Physical Education, Sport and Exercise Sciences building in Union St at 3.25am yesterday.
Campus Watch found the doors open and startled the alleged burglar who fled the scene prior to police arrival.
CCTV was used to identify the address the 47-year-old burglar was thought to be staying.
When officers arrived at the property in north Dunedin around 10am, the man fled out of a second window and hurdled over numerous fences.
The dog unit was called and picked up his scent and tracked him north to Frederick St where he was sighted running on foot.
‘‘He was taken into custody a short time later thanks to some quick-thinking officers and the police dog unit,’’ Snr Sgt Reay said.
The man was charged with burglary and breaching bail and was due to appear in Dunedin District Court this morning.
‘‘This incident highlighted some excellent work by both the Otago University Campus Watch and Dunedin police to identify and apprehend the offender on the same day,’’ Snr Sgt Reay said.
‘‘Police work closely with the Otago University and their Campus Watch team to ensure students in the city have a safe experience on and off campus, and we would like to commend the work Campus Watch do in this area.
‘‘We hope this incident acts as a lesson, if you attempt to steal from the community we will work hard and utilize our partnerships to hold you accountable,’’ he said.
