Bay businesses targeted in crime spree

Police are investigating a string of burglaries targeting Bay of Islands businesses over Labour weekend.

The break-ins are thought to be linked to the theft of a vehicle in Moerewa about 10.40pm on Saturday, with the stolen car seen at at least one of the crime scenes later that night.

Constable Dave Brothers, of Kerikeri police, said Paihia clothing stores Rip Curl and Modern Collective were broken into about 2.15am on Sunday.

That was followed by two burglary attempts around 5am at the Opua General Store and the Roadrunner Tavern between Paihia and Opua.

In both cases premises were damaged but the would-be burglars were heard and chased away by the business owners before anything was taken.

At 6.30am the stolen car was located in the Moerewa area, after it was dumped on Lucas Rd, Otiria, and set on fire.

Police were still collating details of the stolen items and working through CCTV footage and forensic evidence.

Mr Brothers urged anyone with information about the thefts to call him at the Kerikeri station on (09) 407 9211. Information could also be passed to Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.

Also targeted during Labour weekend were a chainsaw shop in Kaikohe on Saturday night and Kawakawa Bakehouse on Monday night.

Those break-ins are not thought to be linked to the crime spree in Paihia and Opua but police can't yet rule it out.