Supporters show up in court to back local mechanic accused of beating alleged thief in Kaitaia

Around 50 supporters filled the Kaitaia District Court this morning to show support for a local mechanic accused of beating up a man who he claimed robbed his family and several others.

Thirty-five-year-old Thomas Rogers is charged with assaulting Te Kapua Butters-Kiwikiwi.

It's alleged Butters went onto Rogers' nephew's farm and stole a motorbike. He was caught on CCTV and subsequently identified by Rogers, who recognised him in the footage. Several days later, Rogers allegedly attacked him.

The incident follows Kaitaia's 'Take back our streets' community campaign, where residents have joined together to tackle the number of home invasions, burglaries and break-ins.

More than 200 residents have signed up to the campaign, which involves victims of crime using air horns to alert others when criminal activity occurs. However, organisers have stressed that it’s not a vigilante movement.

Rogers' niece, Shayna, took to Facebook asking for the public's support.

"It was only going to be a matter of time before the public took matters into their own hands to deal to the thieving criminals that have flooded our community. A member of our community has done just that and now they are being summoned to court… Hard-working people/whanau have been affected. It is now beyond a joke," Ms Rogers said.

Butters was also due to appear in the Kaitaia District Court today charged with the burglary at the Rogers farm, but his appearance was changed to another day to avoid any possible conflict.

Butters is facing a total of three burglary charges.

Rogers has been granted bail and will reappear in Kaitaia District Court next month.

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