Police have arrested 20 people in Kaitaia accused of a total of 44 crimes
Police have arrested 20 people in Kaitaia accused of a total of 44 crimes
Kaitaia police have arrested 20 people following an operation targeting crimes such as burglary and theft.
The arrests resulted in 44 offences being cleared, including burglary, unlawful taking of motor vehicles, theft, plus several driving offences including driving with excess breath alcohol.
The offenders ranged in age from 15 to33 years old. Some of the burglaries included four that occurred at the RSA in Kaitaia where the offenders targeted alcohol.
During the operation police used a number of tactics to catch the offenders and prevent further offending such as bail checks, traffic checkpoints, random vehicle stops and foot patrols.
Senior Constable Steve Robinson, who led the operation, said it was a 'whole of policing' effort involving several workgroups such as public safety team staff (formerly know as general duties), highway patrol staff and intelligence section staff.
Mr Robinson said it was a small group of offenders that were causing grief for the Kaitaia community and they needed to be stopped.
"The community and police will not tolerate this level of criminal behaviour and we will continue to target these offenders and make sure they are also adhering to their bail conditions."
Mr Robinson said police relied on the community to assist in catching offenders and would still like to hear from anyone who noticed suspicious activity in the Kaitaia area.
If a crime is taking place they should call 111 immediately or if they have information on any crime then they can contact their local police station. Information can also be provided anonymously to the organisation Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
