Fugitive thought behind latest vehicle theft

A stolen vehicle in Canterbury may have been taken by fugitive William Stewart, police believe.

A blue 1992 Mitsubishi Pajero, registration CAD947, was reported stolen in Mt Somers at 7.15am today.

If spotted, the public should phone 111 immediately, and not approach Stewart.

Police have been chasing 47-year-old Stewart for 10 weeks, mainly in rural Canterbury.

A cannabis grower was busted earlier this week as a result of increased public vigilance, police said.

A Toyota Hilux believed to have been used by Stewart was found on Tuesday in the Mt Somers area, after he was allegedly seen there by a member of the public.

Selwyn police district sub-area commander Senior Sergeant Stewart Munro said as a result of the rural community being on high alert and reporting activity to police, other offences had been detected.

Police responded after suspicious activity was reported in the Darfield area on Monday and discovered a large cannabis growing operation.

A man was arrested and charged with cultivating cannabis for supply, Mr Munro said.

However, while some residents were being vigilant, others in the Mt Somers/Stavely area knew where Stewart had been camping but didn't inform police.

"Some had apparently known of this for four weeks," Mr Munro said today.

"In that period of time Stewart has committed many burglaries and offences throughout Canterbury and in their local area."

Mr Munro said people needed to realise Stewart was a P user and was known to be violent.

He was also known to be in possession of at least two shotguns.

Mr Munro said Stewart was a danger to police in particular and was likely to resist arrest if cornered. Meanwhile, his offending would continue.

A manhunt was launched on February 10 when he allegedly threatened a police officer with an iron bar.

- NZPA