Dog handler helps link three cross-town crimes

A police dog handler is credited with linking three crimes across Auckland that started with a home invasion and ended with a police chase.

Police say the home invasion occurred about 9.50pm on Monday in Te Atatu.

A man broke into the house through a window and threatened the occupants, an 80-year-old woman and a 22-year-old man.

He also hit the young man before leaving in a Toyota Corolla. The householders were both shaken but uninjured.

About 11pm the Toyota was dumped in Oteha Valley Rd, Albany.

Moments later a man went to the local Mobil and stole a Volkswagen at knifepoint from a customer filling it with petrol.

Half an hour later a man entered Pizza Hut in Papakura, armed with a knife. He ordered staff to hand over money and a car, and left in a Mazda Familia.

Detective Sergeant Graeme Fleming said police saw the red Mazda being driven along the Southern Motorway about eight minutes after it was taken from Pizza Hut.

A short chase ensued and the Mazda was stopped in Kingseat at 11.50pm when spikes were laid across the road.

Detective Sergeant Peter Litherland said a dog handler - who had been monitoring police radio channels in each district throughout the night - recognised similarities between the three crimes and contacted West Auckland colleagues.

* A Te Atatu man, 28, appeared in the Papakura District Court yesterday charged with failing to stop for police, two counts of aggravated robbery and entering a house with intent to commit a crime.

He was remanded in custody. Police say further charges may be laid.