Police ask anglers to look out for fugitive

Photos: NZPA / NZ Police

3 April 2009: The Canterbury Police are trying to catch this man, William Stewart, who is wanted on warrant issued by the local court and to stop him committing more burglaries and car thefts.

Police have recovered from some of the stolen vehicles several fishing rods and in the burglary of the Methven Pharmacy in the early hours of the morning of Wednesday 1 April 2009 another fishing rod was stolen.

He seems to be using whatever rods he has to fish in order to survive and though he may have taken a trout rod he is likely to use whatever he has where he can.

Detective Senior Sergeant John Rae says he is likely to hang around near fishable waters. He is to be considered dangerous and no one is advised to approach him. Please call 111 and ask for the police if you see him.

Vehicles

Police believe he has access to two vehicles:

• ETU351 a 2008 Toyota Hilux twincab wellside ute coloured silver 4wd or
• 2004 Toyota Hilux flat deck truck coloured red, 4wd, registered number BYG187.

Description

He is a thin male caucasian about 177cm tall ( 5'7" approx) who had long brown hair but this was cut off in a ragged fashion. He appears dirty and unkempt and has been seen wearing a tan (or skin coloured) "Swazi" brand hooded jacket that comes down to his knees. His photograph has been in newspapers and on television.

Stewart probably has two shotguns and ammunition. He is to be considered dangerous and no one is advised to approach him.

He is likely to steal food, clothes etc from houses, often in the early hours of the morning.

What action to take

Keep vehicles, baches, houses, sheds etc locked up and keys for vehicles in a safe place.

If he is seen please:

• Do not approach him
- he is considered armed and dangerous
• Call 111 and ask for the Police; and pass on the information as to his whereabouts
• If possible keep him under observation so that the Police have the best opportunity to apprehend him.

Police contact

John Rae
Detective Senior Sergeant
Operations Manager
Southern CIU: Canterbury
DDI: 03 344 1819
Mobile: 027 221 5671
Fax: 03 349 1146