Seven arrested after burglary operation in WBOP

Western Bay of Plenty Police executed eight search warrants across the Western Bay of Plenty yesterday in an extension of a major operation aimed at reducing burglaries through targeting organised crime.

The Western Bay of Plenty Acting Area Commander, Inspector Karl Wright-St. Clair, says seven people were arrested on a range of charges including Selling Cannabis, Possession for Supply of Cannabis, Cultivating Cannabis and Possession of Methamphetamine.

Inspector Wright-St. Clair says more than 20 Police staff, Collections and Customs Officers were involved in today's operation.

"Two of the search warrants were executed at commercial properties in Papamoa, and members of the Tauranga Armed Offenders Squad were used in the initial entry as a result of a risk assessment being carried out.

"The operation targeted organised criminals who, in short, are simply groups or individuals who are earning a living from criminal activity.

"This includes the manufacture and distribution of illicit drugs, burglaries, receiving and selling stolen property and more. Serious violence and intimidation is often also a factor.

"This sort of activity causes significant harm in our community, and reducing this harm by disrupting organised crime groups is a priority for Western Bay of Plenty Police. Today's operation is another example of that."

Inspector Wright-St. Clair says as part of yesterday's operation, four people were arrested in a specific operation targeting "blatant drug dealing" in Te Puke.

"We executed search warrants at two residential properties in Te Puke. These were essentially "tinnie houses" involved in blatant drug dealing, including selling to school children.

"This Police action was taken in response to concerns expressed by the community, and information provided by the public.

"This is a community that has had enough and is taking action to do something about it. They are to be commended for coming forward.

"Police have an enforcement role to play in society, but we can't operate alone. When all parts of the community work together, we can all make a real difference."

Inspector Wright-St Clair urges anyone who has concerns about criminal activity in their community to contact Police directly, or to provide information anonymously via the Crimestoppers line, 0800 555 111.

"If you see something suspicious, please say something. We have a far greater chance of being able to catch offenders and hold them accountable if we know about suspicious activity sooner rather than later."