Burglar's toe gives hiding spot away

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A toe poking out of ceiling insulation gave the game away for a burglar hiding from police in a ceiling cavity on the outskirts of Hamilton overnight.

Police shift manager Senior Sergeant Wayne Petherick said officers were called to a store at Gordonton just before midnight, following an alarm activation.

"A variety of items had been taken including cigarettes and tobacco,'' he said.

A dog handler arrived and tracked a scent that led police on a large loop to a residential property where a 19-year-old was found and arrested.

But Petherick said the police dog still thought something was amiss and an officer decided to check out the roof cavity of the home.

"It wasn't long before his efforts were rewarded and two large bags were found in the roof cavity containing an estimated $5000 worth of cigarettes and tobacco we believe was taken during last night's burglary.''

Petherick said the officer then found another item of interest - a toe poking out of insulation which led to the arrest of a 20-year-old man allegedly involved in the same burglary.

The arrested duo will appear in the Hamilton District Court today, charged with burglary.

- © Fairfax NZ News