A man is before the courts facing numerous charges relating to residential burglaries across the city, including in east Auckland, where an estimated $2 million worth of property has been stolen.
Detective sergeant Amanda Reed says the Glen Innes Police tactical crime unit has been collecting evidence and information in relation to the 51-year-old’s movements for several months.
On Friday, police were successful in intercepting a further burglary attempt.
“Just after 6pm, police sighted a vehicle belonging to the man travelling on Shore Road, Remuera.
“Based off enquiries made into his movements in recent months, it was believed he was on his way to commit another burglary.
“Extra police units were deployed, along with assistance overhead from the Eagle helicopter.
“The man continued to drive towards Waterview, as police maintained sight of the vehicle from a distance.
“As the vehicle turned into a service station, his vehicle was blocked in by a number of police vehicles. The man was taken into custody without further incident.”
Reed says upon searching the man’s vehicle, a number of tools were located, which police believe are used to assist him with his offending.
“It’s alleged the man has committed in excess of 50 residential burglaries through the North Shore, Remuera and Sunnyhills areas over the last two years.
“While enquiries continue into the man’s alleged offending, police estimate he’s stolen an estimated $2 million worth of property.”
The man is due to appear in the Auckland District Court on August 4, charged with seven counts of burglary. Further charges haven’t been ruled out.
“This is a significant result for the team, not only because this is someone who we’ve been keeping an eye on for a lengthy period of time, but also due to the large scale of his offending,” Reed says.
“Further enquiries into the man’s offending are ongoing, and police are hopeful some of the stolen property can be recovered and returned to its rightful owners.
“We hope this result comes as a relief to his victims, and that both the North Shore and Remuera communities feel some reassurance knowing a prolific offender is off the street.”
