Organised crime group arrested for car thefts worth over $300k

Counties Manukau Police Organised Crime Team have arrested and charged a criminal group for stealing over 30 vehicles. The value of all the thefts totalled over $300k.

On Thursday 14 March Operation Jafa was terminated with search warrants being conducted at five addresses in the Counties Manukau District. The search warrants resulted in the arrest of five males and one female aged between 16 and 42.

Counties Manukau District Crime Manager, Dave Lynch says, “All of the six offenders are participants of an organised crime group. Since 1 October 2012 to 7 February 2013 38 Toyota Hiace vans have been stolen with none recovered to date.”

“This group has been charged with 27 of those un-recovered Toyota Hiace vans with further charges likely against this group.”

All six offenders appeared in Manukau District Court on Friday 15 March. One male aged 42 has been remanded in custody and all others have been bailed. The group are due to reappear in the Manukau District Court on 3 April 2013.

Police Officers continue to proactively patrol common areas that are targeted for vehicle crime. Counties Manukau Police want to prevent crime from happening and need you to help too. Please remember to:

• Remove all valuables from your vehicle
• Lock your vehicle
• Ensure your vehicle has an alarm
• Use a steering lock
• Park your car off the road, if you can't, make sure you park in a well lit area

If you have any information about this criminal group please call Counties Manukau Police on 09 261 1300. To provide information anonymously call Crimestoppers on 0800 111 555.

ENDS

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