A North Shore man is facing numerous charges over a series of motorcycle thefts in the past three months.
Operation Broomstick saw the Waitematā East Tactical Crime Unit investigate these thefts from victims in Albany and Takapuna.
At least seven were reported stolen between late March and June.
Waitematā East Area Commander, Inspector Stefan Sagar says investigations culminated late last week with search warrants terminated in Birkenhead and Forrest Hill.
“Our staff swept in at these addresses, and even at the Birkenhead address located an eighth stolen motorcycle.
“This hadn’t been reported stolen; however, our enquiries have now established it had been very recently stolen from Auckland CBD.”
Police located a man at the Forrest Hill property during the search warrant, and he was taken into custody.
“We have charged this man with at least nine counts of unlawfully taking a motorcycle,” Inspector Sagar says.
While seven of the bikes have not yet been recovered, Police enquiries will continue, and further arrests or charges cannot be ruled out.
“I would like to acknowledge the staff’s detailed work on this investigation to-date. While we have not yet been able to return some of the motorcycles to their owners, Police will continue to hold to account offenders to account, as well as their associates who may be enabling this offending to occur,” Inspector Sagar says.
The 38-year-old man charged by Police remains before the North Shore District Court and is expected to reappear on 3 July.
ENDS.
Jarred Williamson/NZ Police
