Burglar’s red-light rampage ends in cuffs after brazen escape attempt

A burglar’s reckless charge through red lights in central Newmarket backfired spectacularly, drawing attention that led Police straight to his motel hideout.

The man tore through multiple red lights just after 10am Tuesday, driving a ute the wrong way into oncoming Broadway traffic in a desperate bid to get away unnoticed. Instead, the dangerous stunt was captured and reported, putting Police on his trail within minutes.

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The ute was soon found abandoned and hidden at the rear of a motel on Owens Road in Epsom. Officers moved in and spotted the suspected driver emerging from a motel unit. He was arrested on the spot.

Investigators quickly linked the vehicle to a burglary minutes earlier at a Newmarket restaurant off Khyber Pass Road. A safe had been stolen from the premises.

The man’s attempted cover-up quickly unravelled. He directed Police to the location where the safe had been stashed, with the cash still inside.

The 53-year-old appeared in Auckland District Court charged with burglary and dangerous driving. Police opposed his bail.

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His frantic run through red lights, meant to help him escape, instead handed Police the evidence and visibility needed to shut down his getaway before it had even begun.

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