Cheeky burglars take a dip in victims' swimming pool

After chilling in the burglars set about the hot work of smashing their way into the house. Photo/File

Thieves took a cooling dip in a swimming pool before breaking into a Rotorua house.

Rotorua police area prevention manager Inspector Brendon Keenan said the audacious crime was one of eight burglaries in Rotorua over Friday and the weekend.

At the Glenholme address, the offenders borrowed towels from the clothes line after having a swim in the pool at the property on Sunday afternoon.

The offenders appeared to have used a large rock to smash the glass and stole a watch from inside the home.

In Pukehangi, offenders broke into a home through an unsecured rear bedroom window.

They took three rings and a Pandora bracelet, valued at over $1000, before leaving on a bike stolen from the back of the house.

Multiple items were taken from a Springfield address overnight on Friday.

The property owner arrived home on Saturday and a stolen vehicle was parked in the driveway. Two Maori man told him they were helping his tenant to move out.

A Panasonic 50" TV, MySky box, Panasonic blu ray player, Denon receiver, four Denon speakers, a Stihl MS 171 chainsaw, meat from the freezer, tinned food from the cupboard and a large wicker-style dog basket were taken.

In an apparently unrelated matter, police did get their man.

A "prolific suspect" wanted for a number of thefts from tourist hot spots around Rotorua was arrested and charged.

The man was known to police and was apprehended in Auckland.

Overall the offences for the past week were low, Keenan said, with fewer than 160 offences - a 20 per cent fall in crime.

"Family violence was also really low, volume-wise, there were less than 60."

He said considering such offences could get up to 100 that was a significant decrease.

Meanwhile, a focus on State Highways has brought good results for the road policing unit.

Keenan said they had "more than 135 enforcement interactions with the public".

"They are targeting all of the driving offences which can cause injuries or death.

"[Officers were] really focusing on the fatal five areas of speed, drink/drug driving, restraints, dangerous/careless driving and high-risk drivers."

Any information on any of the above incidents can be given to Rotorua police (07) 349 9590 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.