Police are investigating whether two Kerikeri men arrested after they were allegedly spotted breaking into a Wharau Rd home are responsible for a series of burglaries in the same area.
The pair, aged 17 and 22, were in a group of three men and a woman who tried to flee in a blue Mitsubishi Pajero. They were nabbed in the Kerikeri CBD about 2.15pm on Tuesday.
The arrested men face one charge each of burglary so far. More arrests and more charges may follow.
It is understood a member of the public saw them breaking into a property on Wharau Rd, off Kerikeri Inlet Rd, about 1.30pm.
Police descended on the area in large numbers but it is thought the suspects initially went to ground. A witness told the Northland Grapevine she saw them change their clothes to reduce their chances of being recognised.
However, their distinctive four-wheel-drive was spotted by police when they later tried to leave the area.
The Pajero was stopped in a service lane near Kerikeri library and quickly surrounded by police cars. Two men were led away for questioning.
Kerikeri police Senior Sergeant Peter Robinson said the investigation was ongoing with more arrests and charges likely.
Police were looking into several other burglaries in the Wharau Rd area, including one earlier the same day and another a few days earlier.
Anyone who saw a burglary taking place should call 111 and, if it was possible to do so safely, continue to observe and record details such as clothing, appearance, vehicle description and registration, and direction of travel.