80 arrests as Police target dishonesty

Eighty people are facing a variety of charges after a series of search warrants were executed across Central District over the last couple of days.

The arrests were part of a combined targeted operation known as Operation Safe Home involving five lower North Island police districts - Wellington, Central, Eastern, Bay of Plenty and Waikato.

Crime Services Manager, Detective Inspector Chris Bensemann, said: "Although the focus of the operation was on dishonesty offences, particularly burglary, we netted all manner of results which shows that a relationship that exists between dishonesty and other serious issues such as drugs and violence.

"It was also an opportunity to put pressure on those people who are wanted to arrest or breaching their bail conditions."

In total 80 people were arrested following the execution of 45 search warrants. Among the arrests were 11 for burglary, 8 for receiving stolen goods, 22 for drugs, 15 for warrants to arrest and 8 for breach of bail.

Five firearms were seized, over 200 cannabis plants, more than 600 grams of dried cannabis and other drugs related material. Six stolen vehicles were also recovered.

"These types of operations will continue to happen on a regular basis until criminals get the message so if we didn't get you this time around it doesn't mean that you are home and dry," said Detective Inspector Bensemann.

Anyone who has any information about offenders or offending should contact their local police station. Alternatively information can be provided anonymously via Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.