Burglary ring busted, stolen presents recovered

File photo / NZ Herald

Waikato police say they have recovered families' stolen presents when breaking up a burglary ring in Raglan.

Boxes and bags of Christmas presents including children's underwear, chocolate and clothing were among the items recovered, after allegedly being unwrapped by offenders.

Three televisions, gaming consoles and games, jewellery and foreign currency including sums of Indonesian and Malaysian money were also recovered.

Raglan and Ngaruawahia Police officer in charge Sergeant Neil Mouncher said local officers joined with Hamilton based Tactical Crime Unit members to apply a District-wide solution to a spike in burglaries and thefts from cars in Raglan over recent weeks.

"As a result of our enquiries we searched a Violet St property in Raglan yesterday and arrested two young men including one who was wanted on existing warrants."

Mr Mouncher said the enquiry originated from the alleged burglary of two Raglan homes but revealed several more residents had fallen victim including three broken into on Monday night.

"We're looking at the possibility the two men may be linked to at least 12 burglaries."

The challenge for police now was to marry up the reports from victims of items stolen to those recovered and try to get at least the presents back in time for Christmas, he said.

"In situations such as this, at least as far as electronics and jewellery are concerned, if the owners had loaded the serial numbers or images of the property on databases, such as Operation SNAP (www.snap.org.nz/ [1]), this task could be completed sooner ...

"We urge people not to leave doors and windows unsecured, advise neighbours if you're going away over the holidays and avoid advertising what you got for Christmas by leaving boxes or wrapping out on the road with the rubbish.

"But above all else have a merry and safe Christmas."