A late-night attempt to hide in a swamp failed to throw police off the scent after an alleged fuel theft in Tauranga overnight.

Police said they were notified about 11.35pm of two people at a construction site on Takitimu Drive.

Western Bay of Plenty area commander Inspector Clifford Paxton said a camera operator saw the pair, who were allegedly unlawfully in the area and acting suspiciously around vehicles.

The pair ran away when police arrived. Officers found vehicles had been broken into and equipment used to siphon fuel.

Paxton alleged the two men fled into a nearby swamp area in an attempt to hide by submerging themselves.

He said a police dog tracked them down “some time later”.

“The two men were taken into custody and were treated for dog bite injuries.”

A 55-year-old man is due to appear in Tauranga District Court on Monday, charged with burglary.

The other man, aged 52, was also alleged to have stolen about $12,000 worth of copper from a Mount Maunganui premises last month.

He had been charged with two counts of burglary and was due to appear in the same court today.

Paxton said fuel offending caused serious harm to communities and he encouraged people to report suspicious activity quickly.

People should contact police immediately on 111 if it is happening now, or through 105 in non-emergencies.

Alternatively, information can be provided through Crime Stoppers at 0800 555 111.