Burglary police operation makes 17 arrests

Operation Resolve was launched in the Auckland City police district after the Herald's Hitting Home series highlighted that only 6.2 per cent of burglaries were solved there in 2015. Photo / Supplied

A police operation launched to solve burglaries has made 17 arrests since its inception two weeks ago.

Operation Resolve was launched in the Auckland City police district after the Herald's Hitting Home series highlighted that only 6.2 per cent of burglaries were solved there in 2015.

The series revealed that on average only 9.3 per cent of the 59,845 burglaries logged by police were solved in New Zealand in the 12 months to December 31.

A team of 20 staff, led by Detective Senior Sergeant Iain Chapman, are working on the operation from the Mt Wellington Police Station.

As of today, 17 arrests have been made for a range of offences including burglary and receiving stolen goods a number of arrest warrants have also been executed.

Mr Chapman said the results were commendable.

"The team has done a great job so far and we've managed to identify and locate some of the city's most prolific burglary offenders, and they are now before the courts.

"It is however very much an ongoing operation, and we will continue to work hard to identify and target those offenders who make a living off breaking into people's homes. "

As well as the arrests, a large amount of stolen property has been recovered during search warrants, which is now being identified to return to its lawful owners.

Photos of the property and other information about the operation is being posted on the Auckland Police Facebook page .

"Public support is a vital part of ensuring the success of this operation and the continual effort by police to reduce incidents of burglary. I ask that the community look out for each other: Get to know your neighbours, if you see anything suspicious call the police immediately."

• People are also advised to record serial numbers of your electronic items at www.snap.org.nz and can provide information anonymously at Crimestoppers.org or on the anonymous tip line 0800555111.