Police have arrested two youths in relation to an extraordinary amount of vehicle thefts over recent months in Tūrangi.
Over the last few months, Police have been made aware of around 35 vehicle thefts across Tūrangi, which Detective Sergeant Craig Dalton says is a huge amount for the small town.
On Tuesday 9 June, Tūrangi and Taupō Police staff executed two search warrants in relation to this offending.
"As a result of the warrants, Police arrested two youths - who are known Mongrel Mob associates," says Detective Sergeant Dalton.
"We also located and seized a firearm, air rifles, and cannabis growing equipment, at the addresses. Two further men - one being a patched Mongrel Mob member and the other an associate - were arrested in relation to other offending incidental to the search warrants."
A 15-year-old is due to reappear in Taupō Youth Court on 18 June facing 11 charges relating to vehicle thefts. Additionally, a 13-year-old has been referred to Youth Aid.
A 38-year-old man is expected to appear Taupō District Court at a later date, charged with unlawful possession of a firearm.
A second man, aged 40, is due to reappear in Taupō District Court on 3 August, charged with contravening a protection order.
"We know vehicle theft is an incredibly frustrating crime for our community, so I am pleased we are able to hold these alleged offenders to account. I hope these arrests reassure the community that Police take this type of offending seriously," Detective Sergeant Dalton says.
Police continue to make enquiries and cannot rule out further arrests or charges.
If you witness any suspicious behaviour around vehicles, please call 111 immediately. Anyone with information on previous vehicle offending or other non-urgent information is asked to make a report through 105, either online or over the phone.
Information can also be provided anonymously through Crime Stoppers on 0800 555 111.
