Matamata Police have arrested a recidivist burglar after an electronic tracking tag alerted officers to the location of a stolen lawnmower.
A local officer took the report of the burglary on Monday morning, with the victim stating that the $1,200 brand new lawnmower had an electronic tracking tag attached for security.
Police quickly went to a private address where the tracking tag had been shown pinging, locating and recovering the lawnmower to much delight of the victim.
A 36-year-old man was arrested on a charge of receiving property over $1,000 and has been remanded in custody. They will appear for a second time in the Hamilton District Court on 24 March.
"This is a great outcome for all, being able to quickly recover a stolen item and catching a recidivist burglar red-handed," said Senior Sergeant Aaron Fraser, Waikato East Response Manager.
"Police encourage you to keep valuable belongings out of sight and secured, note down serial numbers of tools or notable appliances, and engrave belongings if you can.
"In this case, adding an additional element of security like an electronic tracking tag came up trumps for the victim and greatly aided officers in locating the stolen item," said Senior Sergeant Fraser.
To report burglaries and thefts, contact Police. If it's happening now, call 111, for any incidents after the fact, call 105 or make a report online by clicking 'Update Report'.
