CCTV catches attempted jet ski theft in Rotorua suburb of Koutu; three charged with burglary

Thanks to the CCTV, police caught the alleged offenders while they were still on the property. Photo / 123rf

Alleged would-be jet ski thieves have been caught in the act by a person watching their home-CCTV, police say.

Police received a report around 2.50pm on Wednesday after someone watching a live feed of their CCTV witnessed five people allegedly gain access to their Koutu property and try to steal their jet ski.

Police say they were able to catch the alleged offenders while still on the property.

Five people were arrested, and three men have been charged with burglary of over $5000.

Three men, aged 49, 55 and 38, are due to appear in the Rotorua District Court on separate days this month.

Police said they had insufficient evidence to charge the other two people arrested at the scene.

“With the report being made as the offending was taking place, we were able to react quickly and disrupt the offenders’ plans,” said the Rotorua area prevention manager, Inspector Phil Gillbanks.

“We understand the impact residential crimes have on victims and communities.

“This type of offending, where people’s homes are targeted, is totally unacceptable, and the fact that we are able to bring these offenders to justice is great.”

Police encourage the community to report incidents like these, or other suspicious behaviour, immediately by calling 111 if it is happening now, or 105 if it’s after the fact.