TAUPŌ, New Zealand — A late-night attempt to break into a power-tool store in Taupō was stopped after the business owner spotted the burglary through CCTV and quickly alerted police, allowing officers to reach the scene within minutes.

According to New Zealand Police, the incident occurred at about 10:30 p.m. when a stolen vehicle was driven into the store’s steel roller door. The force of the impact created an opening that the suspected offenders could use to enter the premises.

The store owner was monitoring the situation through CCTV and contacted police shortly after noticing the break-in.

Police officers arrived approximately three minutes after receiving the report. They found a white utility vehicle that had apparently been used to force entry into the business.

Officers then heard several loud noises coming from the rear of the store. When they entered the premises to investigate, they encountered a masked man who moved aggressively toward them.

Police managed to apprehend the man and take him into custody. Officers also recovered the vehicle and items believed to have been stolen during the attempted burglary.

The arrested man is 37 years old. Police said he faces several charges, including aggravated burglary, stealing a motor vehicle, unlawful possession of a firearm and resisting police.

He appeared before the Taupō District Court on September 10 and was remanded in custody. His next court appearance is scheduled for September 29.

Senior Sergeant Andy Livingstone said the incident demonstrated how quickly a monitored security system and an alert business owner could assist police during an active burglary.

The rapid response also prevented the suspected raid from continuing for an extended period. Instead of leaving the premises before officers arrived, the alleged offender was confronted inside the business and arrested.

The incident highlights the growing importance of CCTV and monitored security systems for businesses operating in areas where after-hours burglaries can occur. Real-time monitoring can provide police with information while an incident is still unfolding, rather than only after suspects have left the scene.

For local businesses, the Taupō case also demonstrates the value of combining physical security measures with surveillance technology and a rapid reporting system.

The investigation remains subject to the court process, and the allegations against the accused have not been proven in court.