CCTV helps track 'well known criminal'

Inspector Kerry Watson said the 30-year-old man was well known to police. Photo / File

Police nabbed a "well known criminal" trying to break into cars at an Auckland supermarket after tracking him on their CCTV cameras.

At 8am a member of the public reported that a man was trying car doors in the car park of Countdown Mt Roskill.

The Auckland District Command Centre was able to train their CCTV cameras on the suspect who was identified and tracked until a patrol arrived and arrested him.

Inspector Kerry Watson said the 30-year-old man was well known to police.

He will appear at the Auckland District Court tomorrow and police will oppose his bail.

"This highlights the value and expertise of our District Command Centre, especially the skill and expertise of our camera operator who was able to direct our patrol to apprehend and prevent the well-known criminal from committing any further offences," said Mr Watson.