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A Christchurch man has been arrested following a series of alleged fuel drive-offs valued at over $4500.
Police said they were first alerted on March 3 after a man allegedly filled several fuel cans before leaving without paying. Similar incidents were then reported across Christchurch.
Constable Leauga Fuimaono said the Christchurch beat team identified a suspect after reviewing evidence and following inquiries.
A 37-year-old man was arrested after police executed a search warrant at a Burnside address.
He appeared in the Christchurch District Court on Wednesday, facing 43 charges relating to 23 separate petrol drive-offs.
Fuimaono said the man had gone to significant lengths to avoid detection.
“He made a lot of effort to steal the fuel and cover his tracks by using stolen number plates, but our team was focused on finding him,” he said.
“We were pleased to be able hold this person to account for his prolific offending across Christchurch.”
Police said the stolen fuel was not recovered.
The arrest comes after more than 370 fuel theft-related charges were laid nationwide since March 2 for petrol drive-offs and diesel burglaries.