Police in Lower North keep the pressure on criminals

Police across the lower North Island have arrested more than 140 people in a proactive approach to target known burglars and criminals dubbed 'Operation Safe Home'.

Lower North Detective Superintendent Paul Kench says Police districts in the Waikato, Bay of Plenty, Eastern, Central and Wellington have been involved in executing a number of search warrants this week, with 80 people arrested in Central District alone and Gisborne Police knocking on 157 doors.

A number of people had warrants for their arrest and others for breaching bail conditions, but many face more serious charges including cultivating cannabis, possession of methamphetamine and cannabis, burglary, possession of firearms and assault with intent to injure.

Detective Superintendent Kench says in several instances, cannabis seedlings and mature plants were located as well as firearms and stolen vehicles.

Paul Kench says, "Prior to Christmas we ran a similar operation, arresting close to 150 people and we said then that we would continue to send a strong message to criminals and communities that Police intend on taking a firm approach to proactively detecting, investigating and resolving offences, such as burglaries and drug offending in the Lower North."

Police are committed to preventing crime before it happens and want to ensure people can be safe and feel safe through the Prevention First Strategy, the police operating strategy until 2014/15.

Detective Superintendent Kench says Operation Safe Home is one example of a how Police Districts across the Lower North are now working alongside each other, to prevent crime and keep residents safe."