An alleged "crime spree" extending from the Bay of Plenty to Central Otago, spanning almost a fortnight, came to an end yesterday with the arrest of a couple in Cromwell.
A 25-year-old man and 18-year-old woman, both of Whakatane, will appear in the Alexandra District Court today to face "multiple fraud charges", Senior Constable John Chambers, of Cromwell, said.
The couple's "crime spree" started on March 1 and involved offending from the Bay of Plenty to Central Otago, he said.
"Motel and hotel accommodation was left unpaid, meals were put on tabs, items were taken from mini-bars in the room and other property [taken], such as electronic goods, from the units."
Driving off without paying for petrol was another of the alleged offences.
The full extent of the alleged offending was still being investigated, Snr Const Chambers said.
Hospitality New Zealand (formerly the Hospitality Association of New Zealand) had warned its members about the suspects and police were notified as soon as the couple booked into a Cromwell hotel this week, Snr Const Chambers said.
