Burglar said he wanted a job - police

The man would steal from businesses when staff were busy, say police. Photo / Martin Sykes

A 21-year-old Hamilton man now facing burglary charges told businesses he was robbing he was after a job if he was confronted, say police.

The man allegedly carried out a series of commercial daytime burglaries across Hamilton. He was arrested several times over the last few weeks and police said as well as 18 burglary charges, he also faced a charge of breaching his bail and drug charges.

Senior Sergeant Greg Dunn, said the man's vehicle was seen at several businesses burgled in January and February.

Police said he would go into business offices when staff were busy and steal items from handbags or lockers.

"If confronted he would say he was there seeking work," Mr Dunn said.

He appeared in the in the Hamilton District Court earlier this week and was remanded for another appearance.

Mr Dunn said the burglary squads had also been busy tackling a group of hardened juvenile offenders thought to have committed 22 burglaries and six unlawful taking of cars since Christmas.

He said the six offenders ranged in age from 11 to 17.

He said local people who bought stolen goods were creating a market for the burglars.

- NZPA