Fugitive 'probably enjoying life on the run'

William Alexander Stewart has been on the run for nine weeks. Photo / Supplied

Fugitive William Stewart is still on the run and probably getting a kick out of it, despite a nine-week manhunt by police.

Stewart, 47, possibly armed with two shotguns and described as dangerous and possibly a P-addict, was last seen when he allegedly stole tobacco and food from a Darfield supermarket on Tuesday last week.

Stewart was probably still somewhere in Canterbury as there had been reports of food being stolen in the last week, which the fugitive could have been responsible for, said Senior Sergeant Stewart Munro of Selwyn police.

Stewart had, however, stopped leaving taunting notes for some of those he has stolen from, calling himself "Billy the Hunted One".

Police were hoping the public would still keep an eye out for Stewart and report any suspicious activity.

Someone might also know who was helping him avoid capture, Mr Munro said.

Stewart has been wanted by police since October and on February 10 he allegedly threatened a police officer with an iron bar in Canterbury - sparking an intensive manhunt.

Since then police have linked a raft of thefts of vehicles, from shops and private possessions to Stewart.

They believe he is using a stolen radio scanner to stay one step ahead of them.

Christchurch criminologist Greg Newbold believed Stewart was getting an adrenaline kick out of being on the run, Newstalk ZB reported.

Stewart's former wife and an old friend told him Stewart did not like the police and would be enjoying being one up on them.

Mr Newbold said the longer Stewart was at large, the more fun he would be having.

Meanwhile, Stewart's mother said the ordeal had been hard on her, as well as Stewart's father.

Police had reportedly been in touch with the pair but had not approached them for help, The Timaru Herald reported today.

Stewart's mother was reluctant to talk but said it was a difficult time for them.

Stewart is still thought to be travelling in the stolen grey Toyota Hilux, with the registration ETU351 and he may also still be in possession of another red ute.

- NZPA