Arrests made after incidents in Tauranga

The following statement is attributable to Tauranga South Tactical Crime Unit’s officer in charge, Detective Sergeant Matt Smith:

Bay of Plenty Police have charged five people in relation to various incidents that took place around Tauranga in July.

A burglary on Grey Street, an aggravated robbery on Eleventh Avenue and a ram raid at Papamoa Plaza that took place between 20 and 23 July have all been linked to a group of four youths and one 39-year-old man.

The man is charged with aggravated robbery, receiving stolen goods and possession of cannabis for supply.

He is due to appear in Tauranga District Court tomorrow.

Two of the youths involved are believed to be connected to a further two burglaries that occurred on Tuesday 26 July.

Bay of Plenty Police have worked tirelessly to hold these offenders to account and are pleased that their determination has led to these arrests.

“These arrests should make anyone out there that thinks they can get away with this type of offending to think again.”

“Your behaviour is not anonymous, and your actions cause real harm to people in the community, and it will not be tolerated” says Detective Sergeant Matt Smith.

Police encourage anyone who sees unlawful behaviour to contact Police, so we have an opportunity to identify and hold them accountable and ensure our community feels safe.

Information can be given via 111 if it is happening now, and 105 after the fact.

Alternatively, information can be given anonymously to Crime Stoppers via 0800 555 111 or https://www.crimestoppers-nz.org/.

/NZ Police Public Release. View in full here.