Police catch burglars thanks to public's help

Police caught two "prolific burglars" thanks to the quick-thinking of a couple in Hamilton. Photo / File.

The quick-thinking actions of a Hamilton couple who saw two teenagers acting suspiciously outside a neighbour's house has led to the arrest of two prolific burglars, police say.

At about 8:45am a couple in Fairview Downs looked out their window and noticed the two 16 year-old boys in a park at the rear of their neighbour's property.

They watched the youths go onto the property and immediately telephoned police on 111.

Police responded immediately and set up cordons in the park and on the street.

The youths broke a window at the house using an iron bar before fleeing into the park after they were disturbed by the home owner.

A police dog handler and staff tracked and located the offenders who were then arrested.

Hamilton Police Sergeant Chris McRae said police had interviewed and thanked the members of the public for their actions.

"It's a team effort to make catches like this. Without them watching, calling and keeping us updated it would have been harder for us to catch them in the act," McRae said.

"A big thank you from the police to those people willing to take a stand in our community and call us when they see something suspicious."

McRae said it was likely the offenders would have gone on to commit more burglaries, leaving more victims in their wake.

"It just shows that working together we can make a difference."