July 19, 2011

Theft ring took property worth $220,000, police say

By David Clarkson at Christchurch Men's Prison

A man alleged by police to be a possible ?lynch-pin? of a gang of thieves accused of stealing property worth more than $220,000, has been refused bail for a second time as he awaits a hearing on 22 charges.

Luke Aaron Peter Shailor, 22, said he wanted to defend the charges when his defence counsel Elizabeth Bulger applied for his release on electronically monitored bail at a district court sitting inside the Christchurch Men?s Prison today.

But Judge Stephen Erber refused bail and remanded Shailor in custody to August 26.

He had appeared before Judge Erber on May 11 at a Rangiora Court House session where bail was refused but a new application was allowed once the electronic bail assessment was completed.

Shailor also wrote to the judge saying he wanted released because his 18-year-old partner was not a New Zealand citizen, had no work, and needed family support.

Police opposed bail applications saying that a substantial number of burglaries were involved in which more than $220,000 worth of property was stolen by a gang of thieves and a lot of damage was done to the properties. Police alleged Shailor was a member of the group and possibly the lynch-pin.

Shailor faces 17 burglary charges, two charges of shoplifting, two of stealing cars, and one of receiving stolen property.

The police?s Operation Bac investigation into the theft and burglary ring ended with raids and arrests.

Two of those arrested appeared before Judge Erber at a Nga Hau e Wha marae court session on June 22 when they pleaded guilty and were remanded to be sentenced at the Rangiora Court House on August 5.

The judge told both men he would order reports on their suitability for home detention at sentencing, but warned that he believed prison was likely for both of them.

Richard Johnathan Bidois, 18, admitted 11 charges of burglary, as well as shoplifting, and receiving stolen property.

Kent Seiji Natsuhara, a 19-year-old labourer, admitted 10 charges of shoplifting, one of theft, and one of receiving. He had raided Christchurch shops, taking electronic gear such as televisions, ipods, and a home theatre system, and taking a vending machine from outside one shop. He was granted bail pending sentencing.