Police believe that an arrest over the weekend could assist with investigations into a recent spate of thefts in which items advertised for sale on social media were taken when owners met with purported buyers.

The 18-year-old male was detained after an attempted theft was reported at about 2pm on Saturday, near the junction of the Railway Trail and South Road in Paget.

A spokesman said a member of the public who had advertised for a sale via social media met their prospective purchaser at an agreed location.

However, during the exchange, the 18-year-old attempted to snatch the electronic item.

A struggle ended with the teen leaving the area empty-handed on a motorcycle travelling east on South Road.

An eyewitness gave police a description of the suspect and vehicle.

The suspect was found at the parking lot of a business near Collector’s Hill in Smith’s, and informed by officers that he was being detained on suspicion of theft.

He was further detained for assaulting police after resisting arrest, and taken to the Hamilton Police Station, with a trial date set in Magistrates’ Court.

Police reminded the public to keep vigilant when conducting such transactions.