A hammer-wielding jewellery store thief was "trying to keep up with the boys up North" when he took $13,000 in watches, rings and necklaces in two burglaries.
Kara Neihana Pompey's copycat efforts came to an end when police caught him crawling out of a store with a pocketful of jewellery, the New Plymouth District Court was told on Thursday.
The 24-year-old had just smashed his way into Butchers Showcase Jewellers in central New Plymouth, shattered several display cabinets and swiped in excess of $11,000 of rings and necklaces.
Police were alerted to the unfolding burglary on August 8 around 2.20am.
When officers arrived at the scene, Pompey tried to smash his way of a locked fire exit. He then crawled out of the shop window but was apprehended mid-escape.