Hawke’s Bay Police say the discovery of a haul of stolen property at an alleged drug dealer’s house is further proof that burglaries are inextricably linked to drugs.
Police yesterday searched a Mongrel Mob member’s house in Bledisloe St, Hastings and found about 10-15 grams of methamphetamine. They also found cash and a large number of stolen items, including chainsaws, power tools, iphones, laptops, tablets, lawnmowers, weedeaters, hand tools and camping gear.
A 38-year-old Hastings man appeared in the Hastings District Court yesterday charged with possessing methamphetamine for supply. He was remanded in custody until 18 November. Police say further charges will be pending regarding the stolen property.
Detective Sergeant Jason Crowe said the link between drugs and burglaries was well-illustrated by yesterday’s operation.
“We have always said that burglaries go hand in hand with drugs and we know that many people steal and burgle houses to fund drug habits. The property we recovered yesterday was a classic example of how stolen property is used as currency to get drugs. There is a flourishing trade in stolen property in Hawke’s Bay and we urge anyone who is offered cheap goods to think twice about why they may be so cheap and where they have come from,” Mr Crowe said.
Police had identified the owners of most of the property, but serial numbers had been ground off on some items. In particular, owners were being sought for an expensive commercial socket set that was likely to have come from an automotive business.
Mr Crowe said burglaries were “very much a community issue” and police relied heavily on information from the public about suspicious behaviour in their neighbourhood.
“If you see anyone acting strangely in your street or on a property, don’t hesitate to ring 111 immediately. Likewise, if you think a neighbour is involved in drug activity, we want to know about it. If you want to remain anonymous you can ring the Crimestoppers line 0800 555 111. The public has a huge role to play in preventing these crimes,” he said.
Any potential owners of the socket set are asked to contact Mr Crowe at HB Police on 06 8310700.
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