A 24-year-old man will appear in New Plymouth District Court today in relation to jewellery store burglaries. Photo / Tara Shaskey
"High-value" items have been taken in two jewellery store burglaries in Taranaki.
The central New Plymouth burglaries have led to the arrest of a 24-year-old man, who was allegedly caught in the act overnight.
He was taken into custody after being found at the scene of a burglary unfolding at Butchers Showcase Jewellers store on Devon St East around 2.30am.
The first took place on July 29 at Dalgleish Diamond Jewellers, on Devon St West, causing substantial damage to the store.
Police said in a statement that "high-value" items had been taken in the burglaries.
The accused, who has been charged with three counts of burglary, will appear in New Plymouth District Court on August 18 for a bail hearing.
Police thanked the members of the public who phoned police to report suspicious behaviour, leading to the arrest.
"Reports from the public meant we were able to stop any further unlawful behaviour occurring and hold this person accountable for their actions," the statement said.
The burglaries follow a recent spike in jewellery store robberies in Auckland.
The 19-year-old disappeared without her wallet or mobile phone.