Burglar caught in 35km/h police chase

A 24-year-old Kerikeri man has been charged with burglary after police said he broke into a pharmacy in the town.

Yesterday at 3am, the back door to the Unichem Pharmacy in Kerikeri was forced open but nothing was taken as the alleged offender fled after triggering the alarm.

Just over an hour later police found the man driving his 50cc scooter down the Heritage Bypass from Kerikeri Rd. They activated their sirens and lights to get him to stop, but he continued driving towards Waipapa Rd travelling at speeds of about 35km/h.

Eventually police managed to get alongside him and he pulled over and stopped.

The man has been charged with possessing an offensive weapon, possessing a knife in a public place, failing to stop and burglary.

Pharmacy owner Vicki Douglas said it was the first time this had happened in her six and a half years there.

The offender was caught in the area using "good police work" Senior Sergeant Peter Robinson said.

Ms Douglas said it was a timely reminder that the CCTV camera coverage of Kerikeri was currently being implemented.

"We're keen to add cameras to the overall CCTV in Kerikeri," she said.