Police say the bag containing critical equipment and supplies was stolen early on Sunday, January 12, from the Queenstown rescue helicopter, which was forced to stay at the North Taieri base due to bad weather. The bag had not yet been found.
Police searched a Dunedin property yesterday and arrested a 31-year-old man, who was due to appear in Dunedin District Court today.
Senior Sergeant Anthony Bond said the man faces two charges of unlawfully taking a motor vehicle, one count of shoplifting and two other burglary charges - in addition to the charge of burglary at the Taieri Airfield base.
He alleged these were for burglaries at 2degrees in George St, at the Chisholm Park golf course of clubs and balls, and for stealing a vehicle on the same day as the medical supplies theft.
The man allegedly stole another vehicle on January 10 and shoplifted about $800 worth of items from Rebel Sport, including a handgrip strengthener, football boots and a pair of jandals on January 7.
Snr Sgt Bond said the offending at the airfield came to light while police were investigating the 2degrees and golf club thefts, and had gathered evidence throughout the whole investigation.
None of the information provided as a result of a $10,000 reward being offered had assisted the investigation, he said.
Helicopters Otago chief executive Graeme Gale said he was ‘‘absolutely thrilled’’ about the outcome and quick work from police.
‘‘Full marks to the police for the effort that they’ve put it to track this guy down and apprehend him and also the community that’s been behind it to support it all.’’
Mr Gale had offered the $10,000 reward following the theft.
He said he did not think the reward was a factor in the arrest, but it highlighted how serious the organisation was about apprehending the person responsible.
‘‘I’d do exactly the same again tomorrow if we had the same situation.’’
Mr Gale said he had not spoken to police about who was involved in finding the man arrested, but was willing to hand out the reward.
He said anyone planning on stealing on any restricted premises should be aware they would be dealt with in the appropriate way through the court system.
Police said the stolen items included drugs that could be fatal if taken in the wrong combination or dosage.
They were continuing to look for the medical bag and its contents.
• Contact police on 105 - reference number 250112/9460, or Crime Stoppers, 0800 555 111.
