Senior Sergeant Chris Wakelin, of Balclutha, said a 47-year-old man was arrested for burglary last night.
He will appear in Dunedin District Court today charged with burglary, vehicle interference, and theft from a vehicle.
Snr Sgt Wakelin said police were still working to recover the property stolen, believed to be worth about $50,000.
Latta had earlier praised the team spirit of locals following the theft.
The man who was known in his provincial rugby days as "Crazy" for his fearless efforts as Otago’s go-to hooker said police had been pursuing leads regarding a person of interest, following the incident last Tuesday night.
Mr Latta yesterday said he remained hopeful the thieves would quickly be carded, and sent to the sin bin.
After he'd locked his Red Toyota Hiace containing his and workmates’ tools in his work shed late on Tuesday afternoon, thieves broke in and drove it away, heading south.
Fortunately, he said, the van was spotted by a neighbour as it was driven away, giving police somewhere to start their investigation.
"A neighbour saw the van and gave it a wave, but it turned out to be the thieves.
"A camera then picked it up passing through Clinton, so hopefully that gives police something to go on."
Mr Latta said one "silver lining" from the incident had been a rallying of team spirit from the South Otago community.
"If there’s anything good to come out of this, it’s been the rallying round of our work team sharing their tools, and the offers of support we’ve had from other builders locally. It’s been really heartening to see, and we appreciate it."
He said the theft was "frustrating and disappointing" at what was a busy time for builders everywhere.
"We’re working on two houses right now — luckily that can continue thanks to everyone coming together. But it’s a huge inconvenience, as it takes a good while to get anything sorted through insurers nowadays."
He said it was additionally frustrating, as some of his employee’s tools were stolen with the van.
The van itself had sentimental value.
"It’s more than just a work vehicle — we used to use it to take my son Madison round the country for motocross events; so there’s some history."
Sgt Wakelin urged anyone with information relating to the vehicle and/or a significant quantity of builder's tools to contact police.
- 105, or Crimestoppers 0800555-111.
