CCTV led to arrest

CCTV camera's have helped police nab a pair of alleged car thieves.

Video cameras bought and paid for by rural Taradale residents helped nab a pair who are alleged to have stolen items including a new Mercedes.

The residents on the outskirts of Taradale set up CCTV cameras on their local roads a few years back. They monitor and pay for the cameras themselves.

Footage recorded in recent weeks of vehicles coming and going in the area has led to the arrest of a couple who have been charged with four burglaries, Detective Sergeant John McCarthy said.

They were all "substantial" burglaries, with large amounts of items taken, he said.

In one of the burglaries, a brand-new Mercedes was stolen from a garage but was found a few days later in a rest home car park in Napier.

These cameras have really proved their worth and it is a credit to the community that they have potentially helped solve a major crime spree in their area, Mr McCarthy said. The police would encourage any other community to consider getting cameras installed in their area, especially if the area is isolated or not well-populated.

Police were able to return a large amount of property to the burglary victims, including family heirloom jewellery. There may be more unreported burglaries in the Taradale rural area.

"If you have noticed anything missing in recent weeks or something out of place, we would like to know about it.

"There may be more victims who don't know their houses have been entered."

A 23-year-old man and a 20-year-old woman are currently in custody and awaiting their next court appearances.

If you have an unreported burglary in the rural Taradale area, contact Mr McCarthy at HB Police on 06 831 0700.