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A crime wave gripping a small North Waikato village over the past month has been solved, following a spate of burglaries and an arson.
Two young people are allegedly behind the offending at important local facilities as well as homes in Otaua, near Waiuku.
Police say the pair are now being held to account.
Twelve burglaries and an arson have been recorded by Counties Manukau South Police since October.
Residents have been furious at the crime wave, with members of the tight-knit community telling the Franklin Times that locals had been patrolling the village at all hours of the night to try and catch those responsible.
“Concerningly, Otaua School had been targeted for seven burglaries and an arson,” Senior Sergeant Melody Brown says.
“Our Waiuku Community Engagement Team has also been investigating burglaries at the community hall and bowling club.”
A shed at Otaua School was extensively damaged by fire earlier this month, while five residential properties were also burgled nearby.
“Our enquiries have identified two 15-year-old males who we will allege are responsible for this offending spree,” Brown says.
Search warrants were executed at Waiuku properties over the weekend, and items of interest were located during the searches.
“Police will be holding this pair to account through the Youth Aid process,” she says.
“It’s disappointing when local schools and other important, well-loved community spaces are targeted for this sort of offending.
“For Otaua, I’m sure it’s reassuring this pair has been identified and we can put a stop to this offending.”
