Two people have been arrested after allegedly attempting to sell a stolen barbecue in Hamilton – while parked in a disability car park.
Police were called after the pair allegedly broke a window to enter a house in Fairfield around 3.30pm on Monday, setting off an alarm and alerting a passerby, who saw them running from the house carrying a television set.
Witnesses spotted the pair ditch the television over a back hedge before fleeing in a white Holden vehicle which had been parked in the victim’s driveway, Inspector Andrea McBeth said.
Police officers recognised the vehicle as suspicions had been reported about it in the area earlier in the day, she said.
About an hour later, at around 4.45pm, officers spotted the pair and the vehicle at a block of shops in Dinsdale. Their car was in a disability car park.
The suspects were allegedly attempting to sell a barbecue at Dollar Dealers when confronted by police.
Police said the two resisted arrest and were pepper-sprayed.
A 22-year-old woman and a 40-year-old man appeared in the Hamilton District Court today charged with burglary.
The man faces additional charges of resisting arrest, obstructing police, and possession of an offensive weapon.
The driver of the Holden also received a number of tickets — including one for illegally parking in a disability car park.
‘A timely reminder’
McBeth called the incident “a timely reminder to anyone leaving their property unattended for a period of time to take steps to make sure it’s secure”.
“Burglars are largely opportunistic. Alarms will help discourage any burglar looking for easy entry and, in this case, it did. It alerted members of the public who were able to help.”
McBeth said locks on doors and windows, security signage, CCTV, alarms, and sensor lights are good deterrents.
She also advised people to “be wary of posting too much information on social media about holiday or travel plans, or photos of inside your home, as this can make your property a vulnerable target while you’re away”.
Members of the public have also been advised to keep in contact with their neighbours, alert each other to any unusual behaviour, and to call police immediately if you see or suspect anything suspicious.
McBeth said when reporting activity, taking notes of the number of people, their clothing, and any vehicles present is also helpful.