Alexandra camping ground owners Elsie and Peter Lyon headed into the hills yesterday afternoon, chasing two French tourists who allegedly tried to break into one of the camp cabins.
Mr and Mrs Lyon were able to relay information back to police, who set up road blocks and arrested the tourists.
The Lyons, who are shearing contractors, own the Alexandra Tourist Park, in Ngapara St.
Central Otago police sub-area acting supervisor Sergeant Ian Kerrisk said one of the camping ground staff disturbed two men who were apparently removing louvres from a cabin window. When confronted, the men ran off into the hills behind the camp.
Police were contacted and Mr and Mrs Lyon headed off on foot, following the men at a distance, Sgt Kerrisk said.
Roads were cordoned off and the men were caught at the top of Gilligans Gully Rd, thanks to the assistance of the Lyons and their staff, he said.
Mrs Lyon said she and her husband were unfazed by the incident: "We're used to a bit of excitement. We run a shearing gang after all, so it takes a bit to faze us" she said.
Mr Lyon was driving past just after the men allegedly tried to break into the cabin and saw them fleeing from the scene, running up the hill, so followed them on foot. Mrs Lyon followed, at a distance.
Sgt Kerrisk praised the efforts of the camp owners and staff. In the circumstances, it was safe for them to pursue the men, he said.
"They didn't try to confront them and stayed back, relaying vital information back to the police, which led to the arrest of the men within 20 minutes."
The men, aged 23 and 24, have been released on bail to appear in the Alexandra District Court on Wednesday.
Each will face a charge of burglary.
