Early hours activity prompts police call - five arrested for burglary

Police were called to the Castlepoint area after suspicious activity about 3am. Photo/file

Five people have been arrested for burglary thanks to eagle-eyed members of the public.

Wellington District Police cracked down on the five alleged burglars after someone saw them moving items out of a vacant property in the early hours of the morning.

The group was shifting the items from a house in the Jetty St area in Castlepoint about 3.15am. The member of the public called police as the group was leaving.

Just two minutes later, another caller contacted police to report a suspicious vehicle driving down Jetty St. The caller had been behind the suspicious car for some time and gave the police communicator a detailed description of the car and the direction it was heading.

Police were immediately dispatched to the area to search for the car, area prevention manager for Masterton Senior Sergeant Gordon Crawley said.

By about 5am, the car was located and pulled over, and a search completed.

"A large quantity of alcohol, drug utensils, tools and a flat screen TV were located in the car, which we believe were stolen from the Castlepoint address," said Senior Sergeant Crawley.

"This find is the result of neighbours looking out for each other and the thorough work by local officers.

"We would like to thank those who called police in the early hours of this morning. With community help like this, everyone is helping to prevent further victims of burglary.

"We are still working to establish where these offenders were throughout the rest of the night and we would still like to hear from anyone who may have witnessed other suspicious activity."

Any reports of suspicious behaviour last night between Masterton and Carterton, possibly involving a white car, should be reported to Masterton Police Station on 06 370 0300.

Five males have been arrested for burglary. They remain in custody while inquiries are ongoing.

Police remind residents who are away from their homes to notify neighbours so that they can keep a watchful eye on your property.