Burglars caught on camera

Security cameras have assisted in the lock up of four alleged burglars across Auckland, police say.

At about 1.30am, police say they were contacted by a Greenlane homeowner after his CCTV alerted him to a possible intruder.

Senior sergeant Bronwyn Matthews, of Auckland City East Police, says the victim wasn’t at home at the time.

He immediately contacted police and described a vehicle leaving the address with his trailer attached.

“Police camera operators were able to track the vehicle as it made its way along Campbell Road heading towards Onehunga,” Matthews says.

“A short time later, a police unit spotted the van on Waller Street, and the three occupants were taken into custody.”

Matthews says the trailer was returned to the victim and the trio charged with burglary.

A few hours later at about 4.15am, police were contacted by a New Lynn grocery store owner who allegedly spotted a possible thief on his store’s CCTV.

Upon police arrival, a vehicle was parked outside the shop and the store’s alarm was sounding.

“Officers also noticed a hole in the fence outside,” says acting inspector Nick Salter, the acting Waitematā West Police area prevention manager.

“A short time later the vehicle’s owner returned claiming he had just been for a run. However, checks revealed he was trespassed from the store after previously stealing items.”

Salter says the man was taken into custody and enquiries are continuing.

“Our community deserves to go about their business without the threat of being a victim of crime and we will continue to respond and hold these offenders to account.

“However, we cannot do this alone. If you witness any suspicious or unlawful activity, please contact police with as much information as possible.”

People can contact police on 111, or for non-emergencies through 105.police.govt.nz, clicking on Make a Report or call 105.

Three people are due to appear in court over the Greenlane burglary, police say.

A 51-year-old man and a 41-year-old woman charged with burglary are due to appear in the Auckland District Court on Friday, April 24.

A 34-year-old man is due to appear in the Auckland District Court on Friday charged with burglary, unlawfully in an enclosed yard and possession of instruments for burglary.