Thieves stole cash, hair products and a Winnie the Pooh
costume during an alcohol-fuelled crime spree overnight.
Police in Hamilton were alerted to the thefts in
the suburb of Dinsdale by security guards, just after
2am.
"Four businesses had been broken into which
included a hair salon, costume hire shop and two takeaway
stores," says Snr Sgt Freda Grace.
"In addition to items taken extensive damage
was caused to the buildings which it is estimated, will cost
several thousand dollars to repair."
A police dog tracked the offenders to a
nearby address, where two men aged 18 and 24, and two women aged 18
and 16, were arrested.
Two others were also arrested for
obstruction.
"Alcohol certainly appears to have been a
contributing factor in what has occurred and we haven't been
able to interview all those concerned because of their
intoxication levels," says Sgt Grace.
"Heaven knows what the offenders were
planning to do with their loot when you consider the items
recovered included a large amount of hair products, a till,
soft drinks and a large Winnie the Pooh
costume."
She says business owners should ensure they have
strong locks, monitored security alarms and CCTV
cameras.
