Christchurch Police are issuing a warning about bogus fundraising callers after making several arrests of young offenders believed to be involved in a series of related burglaries across the city.
In the past two weeks Police have arrested five male youths aged between 13 and 17, along with two men aged 21 and 30, in an operation targeting daytime dwelling break-ins.
In the latest arrests, Police were called to an address in Phillipstown around 5.30pm yesterday [Wednesday 9 October] after a female resident returned home and found two youths in the driveway of her property.
Police were called and two males, aged 17 and 15, were located and arrested shortly afterwards in the grounds of Linwood College.
The 17-year old appeared in the District Court today while the 15-year old appeared in the Youth Court, both facing one burglary charge. Both were remanded on bail.
A 14-year old male was also arrested yesterday as a result of fingerprint identification, and appeared in the Youth Court today on 14 charges of burglary. He has been remanded on bail.
On Tuesday, police executed a search warrant on an address in Hampshire Street and located a substantial volume of stolen property. A 30-year old Christchurch man was arrested on charges of receiving stolen property and cannabis-related charges. He appeared in Court on Tuesday and was remanded on bail.
A 21-year old Christchurch man was arrested last week and has been remanded in custody after appearing on seven burglary charges.
In related enquiries over the past two weeks Police have also arrested a 13-year old, who has been referred to Police youth services, and a 16-year old male.
Detective Senior Sergeant Corrie Parnell says to date Police have identified at least 21 burglaries that the alleged offenders have been involved in the past month.
"It's likely that the total number of offences is much greater - and we are continuing our enquiries to link these and other offenders to burglaries," he says.
"The break-ins have occurred right across the city, including Northwood, Papanui, Phillipstown, Bishopdale and other suburbs.
"This appears to be a well organised burglary operation. We believe it has been continuing for some weeks, and it's likely there are older individuals who are organising the group."
Detective Senior Sergeant Parnell says the offenders have a distinctive method of operating - generally posing as young people selling raffle tickets for fundraising, and knocking on doors to see whether occupants are at home.
"They are particularly active between about 9am and 3pm when many householders are not at home.
"It's timely to remind people to make sure their dwellings are well secured whenever they are not present."
He says investigators are continuing a range of inquiries to identify other offenders.
"We have recovered a quantity of stolen property already but will also be making every effort to locate further property stolen in these burglaries - and to return it to the rightful owners wherever possible," he says.
The group has been particularly targeting televisions, laptops and other electronic items, as well as jewellery.
"Our message to residents across the city is to be alert for signs of suspicious activity - including unknown people making door-to-door calls.
"If you have any doubts about people calling at your home, whether they're contractors, salespeople or kids selling raffle tickets - always ask for identification.
"Don't hesitate to call Police immediately on 111 if you see suspicious people or vehicles - and keep an eye on your neighbourhood and nearby properties as well."
ENDS