Car thief crashes after police chase

A man caught breaking into cars escaped from police custody, stealing and then crashing a car before being recaptured.

Police said the 55-year-old man and a 39-year-old man were arrested after being caught breaking into cars at the small seaside community of Shag Point, 10km northeast of Palmerston, about midday yesterday.

Senior Sergeant Brian Benn told NZPA they were taken to Palmerston police station.

While the police officer was dealing with the 39-year-old man, the other man fled from the police station, stealing and driving off in a car from the street outside.

He was pursued by police the chase ending when the stolen car crashed into road works.

Mr Benn said the 55-year-old man would appear in Dunedin District Court today, facing a raft of charges including reckless driving, theft from a car, and driving with excessive breath alcohol.

The 39-year-old man faced a charge of theft from a car.

- NZPA