Two Arrested After Diesel Theft in Horsham Downs

Two people from Chartwell have been arrested following the theft of more than 200 litres of diesel from a business in Horsham Downs, Waikato, on April 15, 2026.

Police were alerted to the incident around 8pm after an individual observed a suspicious character and vehicle on a CCTV feed. The witness contacted emergency services via 111, providing information that allowed police to begin deploying units toward the property while the theft was still in progress.

Inspector Andrew Mortimore stated that the person monitoring the CCTV feed watched as the suspect siphoned more than 200 litres of diesel from a tank on the property. By the time the alleged thief had filled a drum and a container on his ute, police officers had closed in on the location, with additional units positioned nearby to block escape routes.

Police Pursuit and Arrests

The suspects attempted to flee the scene, leading to a police pursuit as the driver headed north toward Ngāruawāhia. During the chase, police spiked the front tyres of the ute.

The vehicle continued to travel along Waingaro Rd on rubberless front wheels until the driver lost control and came to a halt in a ditch. The driver then fled the vehicle on foot but was tracked down and apprehended by a police dog. He was taken into custody and received treatment for a minor dog bite.

A woman, identified as an associate of the driver, remained with the vehicle and was arrested at the scene.

Legal Proceedings

A 32-year-old man from Chartwell was scheduled to appear in the Hamilton District Court on April 16, 2026. He faces several charges, including:

• Burglary
• Dangerous driving
• Failing to stop
• Driving while suspended

A 28-year-old woman from Chartwell was also due to appear in the Hamilton District Court on April 16, 2026, charged with burglary.

Security and Repeat Targeting

Inspector Mortimore described the arrests as a great result, noting that the business in Horsham Downs had been targeted in the past. He stated that such thefts cause a heap of pain and inconvenience, not to mention expense.

The inspector emphasized that the outcome of this incident demonstrated the effectiveness of having working security systems and the importance of contacting police immediately when suspicious activity is detected.