A group of quick-thinking university students helped police catch an alleged burglar in action in Dunedin yesterday.
In recent weeks, police have received several reports of daytime burglaries in the north Dunedin area of the city, near the university.
Yesterday morning, a man was spotted acting suspiciously at a student flat.
The residents, who were all university students, decided to challenge the man and followed him as he left the address.
They followed on foot at a safe distance and watched him as they called the police.
As a result, police caught up with the 26-year-old and are making enquiries to establish the rightful owners of property he was carrying, which included watches, wallets and electronics.
Detective Inspector Steve Kelly praised the students' behaviour.
"Their vigilance has helped us to prevent further crime from occurring and we really hope this outcome will bring about a reduction in the number of burglaries in the area.
"We're very grateful for the careful and considered approach these students took in responding to this incident," he said.
Police said the incident should act as a reminder for people to lock their valuables away and secure their home when they weren't there.
