Police find fugitive's ute, warn locals

A ute believed to have been driven by Canterbury fugitive William Stewart over the past couple of weeks has been found by police.

Police converged on the Mt Somers area inland of Canterbury this morning after a member of the public reported seeing Stewart in the silver Toyota Hilux, but he managed to slip their net.

Senior Sergeant Stuart Munro said the vehicle was found shortly before midday in the Mt Somers/Stavely area.

While Stewart was now supposedly without a vehicle, Mr Munro said people in the wider area needed to remain vigilant about keeping property locked.

"Remember it is already three hours between the last sighting and the recovery of the vehicle and he could already be out of the district," Mr Munro said.

When last seen, Stewart was unshaven, but police believe he could now have a short beard.

He is 47-years-old, Caucasian, 177cm tall, of thin build, but has cut his long straggly hair into a rough No 2 cut.

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

Stewart is alleged to have been responsible for a string of vehicle and property thefts while on the run in Canterbury.

- NZPA