A man who allegedly burgled around $2 million worth of property from more than 50 homes across Auckland in two years has been arrested by police — who say he was on his way to his next job.
Detective Sergeant Amanda Reed said police had been collecting evidence and information on the 51-year-old’s movements for several months and had intercepted a burglary attempt on Friday.
Police sighted a vehicle belonging to the man travelling on Shore Rd in Remuera just after 6pm, she said.
“Based off inquiries made into his movements in recent months, it was believed that he was on his way to commit another burglary.”
Extra police units were deployed along with assistance overhead from the Eagle helicopter. He was tracked from a distance to Waterview and was blocked in by police when he turned into a service station.
Reed said the man was taken into custody without incident.
“Upon searching his vehicle, a number of tools were located, which police believe are used to assist him with his offending.”
It is alleged the man committed more than 50 residential burglaries across Auckland in the past two years, including in the North Shore, Remuera, and Sunnyhills areas.
Reed said police estimated he had stolen around $2 million worth of property.
“This is a significant result for the team, not only because this is someone who we’ve been keeping an eye on for a lengthy period of time, but also due to the large scale of his offending.”
Investigation into the man’s offending continued and police were hopeful some of the stolen property could be returned, she said.
“We hope this result comes as a relief to his victims, and that both the North Shore and Remuera communities feel some reassurance knowing a prolific offender is off the street.”
The 51-year-old man was due to appear in the Auckland District Court charged with seven counts of burglary on August 4.
Police said further charges had not been ruled out.