Charges for break-ins

Police will be laying charges after a series of break-ins in Kawakawa

Police have made a second arrest in relation to a devastating series of break-ins and vehicle thefts from Kawakawa schools.

A 17-year-old Kawakawa woman was arrested on Friday immediately after another offence in the town on Friday night. Since then police have also arrested an 18-year-old man, also from Kawakawa. The pair will face a total of 14 charges of burglary, theft, arson and intentional damage.

Kawakawa police Sergeant Kevin Milne said these burglaries caused significant financial loss to schools and businesses. Kawakawa Primary was subjected to repeat burglaries and had two vehicles stolen and burnt out, while a vehicle taken from Bay of Islands College was used in other crimes in Russell and Ohaeawai. Mr Milne said two more offenders had been identified. Further charges were likely once they were located.