Couple arrested trying to sell stolen barbecue parked in handicap space

Two people have been arrested on suspicion of trying to sell a stolen barbecue in Hamilton while it was parked in a disabled car park.

Police were called after the couple allegedly smashed a window to enter a house in Fairfield at around 3.30pm on Monday, setting off the alarm and alerting a passerby who saw them running out of the house with the TV.

Inspector Andrea McBeth said witnesses saw the pair throw a television over a hedge before fleeing in a white Holden which was parked in the victim’s driveway.

She said officers identified the vehicle because suspicions had been reported in the area earlier in the day.

About an hour later, at around 4.45pm, officers spotted the couple and the car in the shopping district of Dinsdale. Their car was parked in a disabled parking lot.

The suspects were allegedly trying to sell barbecue at a Dollar Dealers store when they were confronted by police.

Police said the two resisted arrest and were pepper sprayed.

A 22-year-old woman and a 40-year-old man appeared in Hamilton District Court today charged with burglary.

The man faces additional charges of resisting arrest, obstructing police and possession of an offensive weapon.

The Holden driver also received several fines, including for illegally parking in a disabled car park.

“Timely Reminder”

McBeth called the incident “a timely reminder to anyone who leaves their property unattended for any period of time to take steps to ensure its safety.”

“The robbers are largely opportunists. An alarm will help deter any burglar looking for easy access, and that’s exactly what happened in this case. She alerted members of the public who could help.”

McBeth said locks on doors and windows, security signage, CCTV systems, alarms and sensor lighting are good deterrents.

She also advised people to “beware of posting too much on social media about vacation or travel plans or photos of your home, as this could make your property a soft target while you’re away.”

Members of the public are also advised to keep in touch with their neighbours, alert each other to any unusual behavior and call police immediately if you see or suspect anything suspicious.

McBeth said it is also helpful to record the number of people, what they were wearing and what vehicles were available when reporting activities.