Christchurch burglary spree cracked?

Christchurch police have broken a major burglary ring in Ilam, Bryndwr and Strowan. Photo / 123RF

Police appear to have broken a major burglary ring targeting homes in Christchurch's north-west suburbs.

Eighty-three houses have been burgled in Ilam, Bryndwr and Strowan over the past 10 weeks.

They have been carried out during the day when householders were not there.

A 30-year-old was arrested on Friday and since then the number of burglaries had dropped, Detective Sergeant Ross Tarawhiti said.

Police believe there are other people linked to the arrested man who were also allegedly involved in the break-ins.

Jewellery and other quickly moveable items such as cellphones have been stolen.

The arrested man was ambushed by detectives on Friday who were in Ilam investigating the break-ins.

He was allegedly spotted coming out of a property and then observed going into others.

The detectives then pounced, apprehending the 30-year-old.

He appeared in the district court on Friday charged with two counts of burglary and possession of instruments used for burglary, and a small amount of cannabis.

He was remanded in custody.

Detective Sergeant Tarawhiti said further charges are likely when he reappears in court on June 8.

He urged householders to be vigilant and report people who were seen going in and out of properties.