Public tipoffs help bust alleged burglary ring

File photo

The public has had a role in busting an alleged burglary ring in Porirua, north of Wellington, for the second time in as many months.

Detective Sergeant Steve Dunn said a member of the public in Cannons Creek contacted police after seeing suspicious behaviour yesterday.

"A uniformed police patrol arrived shortly after and arrested three men, aged 16, 17 and 27 years," Mr Dunn said.

"This was then followed up today with a search warrant on a Mungavin Ave address in Porirua, where a large amount of items stolen in recent burglaries around the city have been located."

Less than two months ago, a group of people was arrested after a large amount of stolen property was recovered. That, too, was the result of a public tipoff.

"Police encourage anyone who sees any suspicious behaviour to phone police as soon as possible," Mr Dunn said.

"We also encourage people to secure windows and doors when they go out. It only takes a few minutes to gain entry and steal easily moved commodities like laptops and electronic game consoles."

Following the latest incident, a 27-year-old man appeared in Porirua District court on two charges of burglary. He was remanded in custody until October 4.

A 17-year-old man charged with three counts of burglary was remanded on bail until October 4, while a 16-year-old youth was referred to youth aid.