DNA leads to arrest

DNA and a fingerprint on a screwdriver led to two men being accused of a North Island-wide crime spree, which included a destructive raid at the Kaeo Bowling Club, police say.

On September 24, burglars tried to hack their way through the clubroom's framing and fibrolite cladding, after removing outside lights and erecting a 12-metre shade cloth in front of the building so passers-by would not see what they were doing.

They also demolished a fence to get their vehicle closer to the back door.

When that failed, they forced the door, setting off the alarm. They fled with cash from the clubroom's till.

It is understood one of the raiders left traces of DNA at the scene, possibly as he tried to force his way through the wall.

That, plus a fingerprint on a screwdriver left at another crime scene, led police to a 25-year-old Matamata man. He appeared in the Morrinsville District Court this week on 10 charges including burglary, theft and unlawfully taking a motor vehicle.

A second man, 31, from the Hastings area, was remanded in custody when he appeared earlier in the Gisborne District Court. He faces 20 charges.

Police believe the pair went on a crime spree from Kaitaia to Tolaga Bay, near Gisborne, targeting mainly sports bars and clubs over a three-week period in September and October.

Community Constable Richard Avery, of Kaeo police, said the arrests were a "fantastic result".

Reparation would be sought for the repairs needed to the Kaeo clubrooms.

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DNA leads to arrest