Gold nuggets feature in haul

One of three teenagers allegedly involved in a string of burglaries in Northland has also been charged with receiving gold nuggets worth up to $13,000.

Eighteen-year-old Jake Te Ariki Bowker, of Matauri Bay, appeared in the Kaikohe District Court on Tuesday along with Kimbel Rima Prime, 17, of Kerikeri, and 19-year-old Tamihana Haare.

The trio were arrested this week after several burglaries in Kerikeri, Kaeo and Matauri Bay which took place in the early hours of the morning, often disturbing sleeping residents.

Bowker faces a charge of receiving gold nuggets valued between $11,000 and $13,000 from Prime and Haare on June 6.

He also faces six charges of burglary.

Prime and Haare each face six charges of burglary. All three were remanded in custody without plea to reappear on August 9.

Kerikeri police Detective Greg Johnson said police were trying to speak to a female associate of the three men charged, to find out her possible involvement in the offending.

He said most of the property was still outstanding, including personal documents, electronics and handbags.

- Any suspicious activity can be reported anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.