Playtime is over for an alleged burglar who targeted childcare centres and kindergartens in south Auckland.
Across September and October of this year, Police received six reports of break-ins at early learning facilities in the Papatoetoe and Ōtāhuhu areas.
A range of items, including electronics and cash, were allegedly taken at each burglary.
Inspector Dave Christoffersen, Counties Manukau West Area Commander, says Scene of Crime Officers (SOCO) conducted forensic examinations of the centres.
"Positive forensic results recovered from two of the scenes helped identify a person of interest.
"With a consistent pattern to the offending, investigators believed a single offender was responsible for the series of break-ins.”
Another positive line of enquiry was established when a device stolen from one of the centres led officers to a residential address in Ōtāhuhu.
Yesterday, Counties Manukau West Tactical Crime Unit (TCU) staff tracked the device to a house on Hutton Street, where a male suspect was located and arrested. Police recovered some of the stolen property at the address.
"This was a great collaboration between SOCO, TCU and Intelligence teams to ensure a recidivist burglar can no longer offend in our communities.
“We remind the public to contact us on 111 if you witness suspicious activity in your area.”
A 22-year-old male has been charged with six counts of burglary. He's been remanded in custody and will reappear in Manukau District Court on 28 October.