A man who snatched two expensive rings from a Christchurch mall at the weekend was nabbed by four members of the public, who hitched a ride on a courier van.
The man, 25, had committed several opportunist thefts before his Christchurch downfall, Sergeant Dave Knowles said.
He started in Picton where he stole a considerable quantity of cash from an organisation, which he spent on a trip to Christchurch.
In Merivale Mall on Saturday morning he made an opportunist theft of two expensive rings but was seen by a member of the public who alerted the shop owner.
Both gave chase as the man took off. He attempted to snatch a handbag as he ran past a woman, but the handle broke.
His pursuers were joined by a third man, and they flagged down a passing courier van.
The offender was caught in a nearby property after running around the block, and handed over to police.
He appeared in court yesterday on three counts of theft and was remanded to reappear in Blenheim District Court on June 15.
- NZPA
Pursuers hail courier van to catch thief
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