DNA and a fingerprint on a screwdriver led to two men being accused of a North Island-wide crime spree, which included a destructive raid at the Kaeo Bowling Club, police say.
On September 24, burglars tried to hack their way through the clubroom's framing and fibrolite cladding, after removing the outside lights and erecting a 12-metre shade cloth in front of the building so passers-by would not see what they were doing.
They also demolished a fence to get their vehicle closer to the back door.
When that failed, they forced the door, setting off the alarm. They fled with cash from the clubroom's till.
It is understood one of the raiders left traces of DNA at the scene, possibly as he tried to force his way through the wall.