A burglar bogged down during his escape efforts on a west Auckland farm will face court today.
Police responded to a burglary reported in Henderson Valley at around 3.15pm on Wednesday.
Acting Inspector Nick Salter, Acting Waitematā West Area Prevention Manager, says a man had reportedly entered a shed on the property and was removing items.
"He was seen attempting to leave the property in a stolen ute, which became stuck in the mud," he says.
"Instead, he was forced to leave on foot through the mud."
Things got worse after he tried to steal a vehicle from a neighbouring property.
"Workers challenged the man, and he was ultimately unsuccessful at stealing a van and quad bike, making off on foot with various tools."
Police had deployed into the area, with a dog handler quickly on the scent.
"Police tracked the man to an address, where he was taken into custody muddy and saturated," acting Inspector Salter says.
The 40-year-old man has been charged with burglary and possessing cannabis.
He will appear in the Waitākere District Court today.
