Police arrest Auckland man accused of stealing $2m in more than 50 burglaries

A 51-year-old man has been arrested for allegedly stealing $2 million worth of property in more than 50 residential burglaries across Auckland.

Police had been gathering evidence and information on the man’s movements for several months before making the arrest.

They struck on Friday, intercepting him during another alleged burglary attempt.

“Just after 6pm, police sighted a vehicle belonging to the man travelling on Shore Road, Remuera,” Detective Sergeant Amanda Reed said in a statement.

Additional police units and the Police Eagle helicopter were deployed as the man drove towards Waterview.

“As the vehicle turned into a service station, his vehicle was blocked in by a number of police vehicles. The man was taken into custody without further incident.

“Upon searching his vehicle, a number of tools were located, which police believe are used to assist him with his offending.”

It is alleged that the man committed the burglaries over the last two years in areas including the North Shore, Remuera and Sunnyhill.

Police estimate he stole an estimated $2m worth of property.

He has been charged with seven counts of burglary and is scheduled to appear in the Auckland District Court on Monday. Police aren’t ruling out further charges.

“This is a significant result for the team, not only because this is someone who we’ve been keeping an eye on for a lengthy period of time, but also due to the large scale of his [alleged] offending,” Reed said.

Police hope some of the stolen property can be recovered and returned to its rightful owners.