A Turangi forbidden driver who had his car impounded by police was caught an hour later driving another car through a police checkpoint.
The man, who was reported to be a member of a gang, was arrested as part of a Bay-wide police operation involving more than 200 staff, aimed at reducing dishonesty crime.
Police prevention manager Inspector Scott Fraser said as a result of the joint operation a boat was recovered in Opotiki and returned to its owner, two burglars were also arrested in the same township and five people, with warrants to arrest were arrested in Kawerau, including one man who handed himself in, Mr Fraser said.
The Turangi man who was stopped and had his first car impounded was caught about an hour later driving through a police check point in another car, he said.
"He was again taken off the road." Those committing dishonesty offences often had a disregard for road rules and used dishonesty offending to fund drug habits or to support more serious crimes, Mr Fraser said.
Having visible patrols in key locations, liaising with groups, school visits and checks on offenders with bail conditions were aimed to reduce criminal activity, he said.