Sharp eyes help catch suspect

Another suspected burglar has been caught in Whangarei thanks to the keen eyes of members of the public.

For the second time in a week a suspected burglar has been arrested by Whangarei police after the alleged thief was fingered by a member of the public following a spate of burglaries in the Avenues area of the city.

Eleven burglaries have taken place in the area since July, so police started carrying out prevention patrols along with investigation work in an effort to catch the culprits and stop further burglaries, Acting Whangarei/Kaipara police area prevention manager Sergeant Dylan Robinson said.

As a result of the police work a member of the public identified a man for a burglary and the 26-year-old was arrested and charged with receiving stolen property and burglary for three of the burglaries. Police are investigating if he had any links to the other eight break-ins.

Mr Robinson said the combined efforts of the area prevention team, tactical crime unit, intel, public safety teams and scene of crime officer led to a good result for the residents in the Avenues area.

"The area prevention team and tactical crime unit will continue patrolling in the area to provide reassurance for the residents. If residents have any concerns they can catch up with staff as they patrol the area or come and see us in the Whangarei Police Station," he said.

The arrest comes after watchful neighbours have helped lead to the arrest of two alleged burglars on Monday.

Whangarei police spokeswoman Sarah Kennett said three people allegedly broke into a Maunu house at about 4.20pm and stole several items, including electronic gear and alcohol.

A neighbour saw the car being used by the thieves and called police immediately, who searched the area soon after but could not locate the car.

Several hours later a patrol car had spotted the wanted car and stopped it in Dent St. Officers searched the car and found the items allegedly stolen from the Maunu address and two people were arrested and charged with burglary.

If anyone has information relating to burglaries they can contact Whangarei police on 09 430 4500 or anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

In 2013 2688 burglaries were recorded in Northland - at least seven every day - which was up from 2339 in 2012.