Christchurch Police have terminated a three month operation targeting known burglars and receivers.
"We targeted known active property burglars and receivers, operating in the NW suburbs," says DS Chris Power, Break Squad. "Primarily they were operating in Riccarton/Avonhead and Papanui/Bryndwr but also in Hornby and southern suburbs."
These were allegedly planned and calculated thefts by allegedly experienced criminals. The burglaries were targeted and the netted stolen property was often in the range of $15-20,000.
Five males have been charged with burglary and two with receiving. Further warrants are still to be executed. Some offenders appeared in court yesterday and a further person on Wednesday. All have been remanded in custody.
A considerable amount of property has been recovered, largely electronic items such as Playstations, flat screen televisions, laptops, cell phones, digital cameras, IPODS, high value watches, and a lot of jewellery.
Detective Senior Sergeant Nigel Hughes says it is a tremendous result for the Break Squad.
"We hope there will be a reduction now in residential burglaries in those areas."