Crime group allegedly burgled 110 homes

A woman has admitted being part of an organised criminal group accused of burgling 110 homes.

Mere Aroha Morgan, 26, pleaded guilty in the Christchurch District Court to four charges of burglary, two thefts of cars, and participating in the criminal group.

She admitted being in the alleged group of six people who burgled about 110 homes across east Christchurch, Rangiora and Kaiapoi in June and July 2017.

The police summary of facts said Morgan stayed in a motel unit in Ferry Rd during those two months, and police found stolen property worth tens of thousands of dollars in the unit. They recovered property included laptops, cameras, building tools, and clothing.

Police found text communication indicating Morgan was disposing stolen property.

She was caught by CCTV footage with other people who allegedly took a car from the Hagley Park car park on May 27.

On June 28, Morgan and an alleged co-offender entered a motel unit in New Brighton. The shower and toilet were used, as well as towels and the bed. The television, DVD player, a small safe, and bedding were stolen.

On June 30, she was with alleged co-offenders when a property in Lyttelton St was burgled. Cameras and a Blu-ray system were taken, then later they burgled a property in Halswell Rd where laptops, an iPad, and a PlayStation were taken.

In July, with alleged cooffenders, a property in James Dr, Woodend, was burgled, with a 65-inch television and a PlayStation taken. Morgan sent a text message to an associate on the same day saying she had the television for sale.

The tools stolen from a car that was taken from a property in Rowses Rd, Rangiora, were found in the motel unit with Morgan.

Morgan told police she did not know how the stolen property arrived at the unit.

Judge Raoul Neave remanded Morgan on electronically monitored bail for sentencing on July 18. Five other members of the alleged group are all going through the Christchurch Court system separately.