Drunk crooks steal Winnie the Pooh costume
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Thieves stole cash, hair products and a Winnie the Pooh costume during an alcohol-fuelled crime spree overnight.
Police in Hamilton were alerted to the thefts in the suburb of Dinsdale by security guards, just after 2am.
"Four businesses had been broken into which included a hair salon, costume hire shop and two takeaway stores," says Snr Sgt Freda Grace.
"In addition to items taken extensive damage was caused to the buildings which it is estimated, will cost several thousand dollars to repair."
A police dog tracked the offenders to a nearby address, where two men aged 18 and 24, and two women aged 18 and 16, were arrested.
Two others were also arrested for obstruction.
"Alcohol certainly appears to have been a contributing factor in what has occurred and we haven't been able to interview all those concerned because of their intoxication levels," says Sgt Grace.
"Heaven knows what the offenders were planning to do with their loot when you consider the items recovered included a large amount of hair products, a till, soft drinks and a large Winnie the Pooh costume."
She says business owners should ensure they have strong locks, monitored security alarms and CCTV cameras.
