Police task force to tackle Wairarapa's meth-related theft

"Operation Gardner" will target known burglars and the illicit use of methamphetamine. Photo / File

Wairarapa Police have established a new task force to combat a rise in motorcycle burglaries potentially fuelling methamphetamine habits.

"Operation Gardner" will directly target known burglars and dishonesty offenders as well as the illicit use of methamphetamine.

Detective Sergeant Dean Cadwallader of the Wairarapa Tactical Crime Unit said the operation has confirmed links between meth use and burglaries.

"A number of the offenders who have been charged were found to be using meth and using their criminal proceeds to buy more drugs," he said.

Cadwallader said it was in response to rising burglary incidents during the past six months.

"The increase in burglaries was not specific to townships but was also impacting on rural areas," he said.

"The biggest increase in the type of item being taken from these burglaries was motorcycles and ATVs (all terrian vehicles)."

Police suspect the motorcycles were being quickly disguised and sold out of the area.

Over the past two weeks, the operation has resulted in 23 arrests, while several search warrants have been conducted throughout Wairarapa.

Ten burglaries have so far been resolved.

Of the people charged, nine charges of burglary and seven receiving stolen property charges have been laid.

Two of these burglaries have been resolved with the assistance of the public notifying police of suspicious activity.

Five stolen motorcycles, all trail bikes of various engine sizes, a scrub saw, dive gear, fishing gear and camping gear have been recovered and identified.

Police also recovered a large amount of power tools, which are believed to be stolen but have not yet been linked to any crimes.

Photos of these items will be placed on the Wellington Police Facebook page next week.

Cadwallader said the public circulating photos of stolen property on social media has been "extremely helpful in spreading the word quickly".

"Unless we receive information very quickly about these vehicles and their location after being stolen the odds of us recovering them reduce significantly."

Wairarapa Area Commander Inspector Donna Howard said she was extremely pleased with the results of the operation.

"These good results are down to great work by our staff with the assistance and information from members of the community. We couldn't do it without their help."

Police also hoped those addicted to drugs would seek help via family and friends or local services such as Te Hauora Runanga O Wairarapa (0800 666 6744), or the Alcohol Drug Helpline on (0800 787797).