Police arrest more than 140 in criminal crackdown

File photo / NZ Herald

Police have arrested more than 140 people and seized drugs and weapons in a crackdown on known North Island criminals.

Dozens of search warrants were executed this week as part of Operation Safe Home, which involved police in Waikato, Bay of Plenty, Wellington, and the eastern and central districts.

Eighty people were arrested in the central district alone, while Gisborne police knocked on 157 doors.

Lower North Island police head Detective Superintendent Paul Kench said a number of people had warrants for their arrest and others for breaching bail conditions.

Many will face more serious charges, including cultivating cannabis, possession of methamphetamine and cannabis, burglary, possession of firearms and assault with intent to injure.

Mr Kench said in several instances, police found cannabis seedlings and mature plants, as well as firearms and stolen vehicles.

The crackdown follows a similar operation before Christmas in which 150 people were arrested.

"We said then that we would continue to send a strong message to criminals and communities that police intend on taking a firm approach to proactively detecting, investigating and resolving offences, such as burglaries and drug offending in the Lower North," he said.

Mr Kench said the operation was an example of how police districts across the lower North Island were now working alongside each other to prevent crime and keep residents safe.