Two arrested over cheese heist

A man and woman face burglary and drugs charges after being arrested for a cheese heist in Manawatu today.

The arrests came after a rail worker spotted people acting suspiciously on a track near Halcombe, northwest of Palmerston North, about 7am.

They drove away in a car throwing blocks of cheese out the window as they went, but were stopped by police and arrested soon afterwards.

Eight 20kg blocks were recovered in the area and another five were found further northwest near Marton, said police spokeswoman Kim Perks.

A 23-year-old woman from Marton was charged with burglary, receiving stolen goods, possession of a Class A and B drug and possession of drug utensils.

A 21-year-old man from Hunterville was charged with burglary, receiving stolen goods, possession of a Class B drug and permitting a vehicle to be used for drug offending .

Both were bailed on conditions to appear in Feilding District Court on November 16.

Ms Perks said after the train, which had been carrying the cheese, arrived in Auckland today it was discovered that five of its containers had been broken into.

Investigations were continuing as to what else may be missing from the cargo.

Police said this morning it was believed passers-by had helped themselves to cheese blocks found by the roadside.

Anyone with information about the theft, or who saw suspicious activity or boxes of cheese along the railway was urged to contact Feilding police.

- NZPA