Auckland Man Arrested in $2 Million Burglary Scheme Involving Over 50 Residential Crimes

A 51-year-old man has been arrested for allegedly stealing over $2 million worth of property in more than 50 residential burglaries across Auckland, marking one of the most significant criminal investigations in the region in recent years.

Police had been monitoring the suspect for several months, gathering evidence and tracking his movements, before making a dramatic arrest on Friday. The operation involved multiple police units and even the Police Eagle helicopter, showcasing the scale of the investigation.

According to Detective Sergeant Amanda Reed, the arrest occurred just after 6pm when police spotted the suspect’s vehicle on Shore Road, Remuera. As he drove towards Waterview, police intercepted him at a service station, where his vehicle was blocked in by several police cars. The man was taken into custody without further incident.

During the search of his vehicle, police discovered a range of tools believed to be used in his alleged burglaries. The suspect is accused of committing these crimes over the last two years in areas such as the North Shore, Remuera, and Sunnyhill. Police estimate that he stole property worth around $2 million during this period.

The man has been charged with seven counts of burglary and is set to appear in the Auckland District Court on Monday. Authorities are not ruling out additional charges as the investigation continues.

“This is a significant result for the team, not only because this is someone we've been keeping an eye on for a lengthy period of time, but also due to the large scale of his [alleged] offending,” said Reed. Police are hopeful that some of the stolen property can be recovered and returned to its rightful owners.

This case highlights the persistent issue of residential burglaries in Auckland, particularly in areas like Takanini South, which has seen a high number of such crimes. The arrest is a major step forward in addressing this ongoing problem and bringing a prolific offender to justice.