Police have located a large amount of stolen property at a Ruatangata address, including a Nissan Skyline racing car worth $60,000.
Following information received from a scrap metal dealer Police carried out the search on Friday afternoon and located: the car, several firearms that were recently stolen from a Kamo address; nine hot water cyclinders; three motorbikes; a Polaris quad bike worth $12,000; a racing go kart; a wind turbine stolen from a yacht at Onerahi; and various tools and hardware equipment.
Police also found an indoor cannabis operation in one of the bedrooms and also a small amount of methamphetamine.
Senior Sergeant Daniel Cleaver says the good relationship that police have with second hand and scrap metal dealers led to the discovery of a significant amount of stolen property.
“We maintain regular contact with second hand and scrap metal dealers, so thieves and burglars better beware that we will catch up with them if they try to sell any stolen items.”
Mr Cleaver says finding the stolen firearms means that these will not fall into the hands of other criminals or gangs.
“We received information about some stolen water cylinders and we acted quickly to carry out a search of the address at Ruatangata. We ended up not only locating several cylinders, but a lot more stolen property.
The victims of these burglaries are very pleased to get their property back, some of which is very valuable. “
Mr Cleaver says this is also a timely reminder for anyone who notices suspicious activity on their neighbour’s property to call police. Some neighbours had noticed a light was left on all night in one of the rooms of the Ruatangata house and thought it was strange.
“We encourage anyone to report anything odd they may notice, no matter how big or small, as it could be part of some significant criminal activity.”
A man, aged 22 years, and a woman, aged 20 years, have been charged with several burglary and drug offences. They appeared in the Whangarei District Court on Saturday and will be appearing again today. Further charges are likely.
For media inquiries contact Northland Police Communications Manager Sarah Kennett on 09 945 4650 or 021 192 1099.