Counties Manukau Police have arrested three people in relation to a series of burglaries where elderly victims were targeted whilst at home; two men aged 32 and 49 and a 32 year old woman.
Detective Senior Sergeant Darrell Harpur says the arrests are the result of an extensive investigation following the burglaries between August and November 2013.
"From Counties Manukau, we coordinated the investigation Auckland-wide and executed a number of search warrants that have secured the arrest of the three accused," he says.
"At least 14 elderly victims were targeted for the burglaries, some of whom have felt so traumatised by the offending that they have had to sell their family home and move on, or are now suffering from anxiety. Due to the age of the victims, they are particularly vulnerable."
The victims had bank cards stolen from them during the burglaries and later were deceived into giving out their PIN numbers over the phone. The cards were then used until cancelled or funds ran out.
The majority of offences are in Auckland; however police have identified offences from as far South as Hamilton through to Orewa in the North.
"Police would like to remind everyone that under no circumstances are you to supply your pin number to any person purporting to be from the bank or the police," says Detective Senior Sergeant Harpur. "Should you receive such a call, you are advised to ring Police immediately."
The investigation team is working through a number of burglary offences and believes that there will be further victims who have been targeted in this manner. If you feel that you may have been a victim to this type of crime please phone the Counties Manukau Organised Crime Office on 09 213 9326.
If anyone has any information on people committing these type of offences, call Counties Manukau Police on 09 261 1300, information can be provided anonymously to the organisation Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
ENDS
Detective Senior Sergeant Darrell Harpur is available for interview until midday today (18 December 2013).
Issued by Kimberley Mathews/Communications Manager, Counties Manukau Police
09 263 2702
021 192 0717