Two Arrested After Stolen Property Recovered in Te Kaha

Police have recovered household goods, tools and other suspected stolen items following burglary investigations in the Eastern Bay of Plenty.

Two men have been arrested after Police recovered a large quantity of suspected stolen property during search warrants in Te Kaha.

Eastern Bay of Plenty Police executed the warrants on Tuesday as part of an investigation into a series of burglaries in the area between April and July.

Detective Sergeant Nicola Klein said Eastern Bay of Plenty Criminal Investigation Branch and Prevention staff had been investigating the incidents.

The recovered items included a large-screen television, washing machine, tools, household linen, mobile phones, a torch, garage equipment and paint equipment.

Klein said the arrests and recovery of the property were a positive result for the Te Kaha community, where residents had been affected by burglaries targeting their homes and belongings.

“These burglaries had a significant impact on local residents, with those affected having their homes and property targeted by people within their own community,” she said.

“The recovery of this property, and the arrests made, demonstrate our commitment to holding offenders to account and returning stolen items to their rightful owners wherever possible.”

Police also thanked community members who provided information to assist the investigation.

A 38-year-old man has been remanded in custody and is due to reappear in Ōpōtiki District Court on 26 November.

He faces charges of burglary, unlawfully being on property and unlawful possession of a firearm.

A 23-year-old man is due to appear in Ōpōtiki District Court on 15 October, charged with burglary and unlawful possession of a firearm.

Police enquiries remain ongoing.

Anyone with further information is encouraged to contact Police on 105 or provide information anonymously through Crime Stoppers.