Young people involved in burglary are the focus of a nationwide New Zealand Police operation announced today.
Operation Focus is a month-long effort aimed at reducing the number of dwelling burglaries which have been steadily increasing over the past 10 months.
Acting Deputy Commissioner, National Operations, Andy Coster said the increase was of concern to the public and to police.
"We know most burglary is committed by young people, 60 per cent of them under 24 years and 20 per cent of them under 16.
"Some of these young people start committing theft and burglary as young as 8-years-old.