Google, cops step in to save Christmas

An alert from Google helped solve the case of a cache of Christmas presents stolen from an Auckland home.

An alert from Google helped solve the case of a cache of Christmas presents and electronic equipment stolen from an Auckland home.

A distraught family woke yesterday to find the presents missing from under their Christmas tree, as well as numerous items of electronic equipment, including a mobile phone.

The family reported the theft to Auckland Police at 6am.

But within hours, their gifts had been found, thanks to an alert from Google and fast-working police officers.

"The owner of a mobile phone taken from the property was notified by Google that an account had been established - but not in her name," Auckland Central Area Commander Inspector Jill Rogers said.

The owner reported the name to police, who checked the named person's address and found the accused. Soon after, all property and presents were returned to the family.

Rogers said police had taken as much pleasure in returning the family's presents and electronic equipment as the family had displayed when they were reunited with their belongings.

A 44-year-old Freemans Bay man was arrested on Saturday and would remain in custody until he appeared in Auckland District Court tomorrow charged with burglary, she said.