On Wednesday 25 June 2008 Christchurch Police terminated a four month investigation involving a computer supply and repair shop situated in Christchurch city.
The computer shop advertised itself as being involved in the supply and repair of new and second-hand computers and used the medium of 'over-the- counter' sales and electronic auction sites as a means of selling computers and computer related equipment.
As a result of search warrants executed on 25 June 2008 three males in their 20's were arrested and placed before the courts on a charge of conspiring to deal in stolen property. They were remanded to reappear in the Christchurch court on Wednesday, 2 July 2008.
Police have seized over 100 laptop computers, desktop and tower drive computers, flat screen monitors, computer hardware and software accessories and other assorted electronic items. A significant number of the laptops recovered by Police have been identified as the proceeds of burglaries and thefts.
Police believe criminals using the business premises investigated will be forced to approach other Christchurch second-hand dealers in order to dispose of stolen computer and computer related accessories.
Police believe the business premises to have been a significant receiver of stolen computer and computer related equipment and urge all Christchurch second-hand dealers to be vigilant when dealing with customers either attempting to sell or pawn such property.
G K Wormald
Detective Senior Sergeant
District CIB