Police believe a car that fled from police in Dipton overnight may be linked to the burglary of a jewellery store in Queenstown.

The store on Grant Road in the Five Mile Shopping Complex was broken into at around midnight, and a significant number of expensive men’s watches were stolen, along with a computer and cash.  

Detective Sergeant Derek Shaw said police were following strong lines of inquiry with regard to identifying the offender. 

They believed the offender may have travelled to the Southland area following the burglary, potentially travelling in a grey Toyota Corolla vehicle with a rear registration plate (LQL818) that had been stolen from a rental vehicle (a red Toyota) in Queenstown. The grey Toyota Corolla had also been stolen. It’s actual registration is KHN571.

 "Police believe that the offender in the Queenstown burglary is travelling in the grey Toyota Corolla, and we’re appealing for any sightings of the vehicle in the Queenstown or Southland areas since Sunday night," Mr Shaw said.

"Police attempted to stop this vehicle in the Dipton area in the early hours of the morning.The driver failed to stop and was briefly pursued by police, however the pursuit was abandoned due to the manner of driving and speed of the vehicle."

If you have seen a grey Toyota Corolla, with either registration number – LQL818 or KHN571, or have information that could help police locate the person responsible for the burglary, please contact Queenstown Police on 03 441 1600. 

Information can also be provided anonymously via Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111. 

Police are also urging people to be wary of anyone offering watches for sale and urge anyone who is approached or sees information online regarding watches for sale, to give them a call.