KEY POINTS:
Police investigating the murders of Bay of Plenty criminals Darryl Crawford and William Taikato have narrowed their search area.
New information led the inquiry team yesterday to check out a rural site 30km from Tauranga, which was within 5km of where Crawford's vehicle was found almost a year ago.
Crawford, 35, was last seen in August 2007, and Taikato, 40, in December. The pair knew one another and had associates in common. Police say both were involved with drugs and gangs.
In mid-April a $50,000 reward was offered in each case for information leading to the conviction of their killer.
Inquiry head Detective Inspector Rob Jones, of Tauranga CIB, said today police had narrowed the search area after yesterday's preliminary assessment of the site.
Experts brought in to assist included a police cadaver dog, which had identified an area of approximately six square metres.
Scientific staff from Environmental and Scientific Research (ESR) in Auckland were also assisting.
Mr Jones said approximately 15 police staff were continuing the examination of the scene and it was expected this would take several days to complete.
Family members of both men have been told of the latest information and are being kept updated.
- NZPA
