Tools and equipment worth $100,000 have been stolen in a spate of thefts targeting tradespeople and new homes in Papamoa, and police are warning residents to heed caution.
Papamoa police have warned residents to beware of suspicious behaviour following a series of early morning thefts and home appliances including dishwashers and washing machines being stolen from newly built homes.
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Senior Sergeant Phil Gillbanks told the Bay of Plenty Times the trend was a major worry.
''It's really concerning, on a two-fold level,'' he said.