Jewellery stores hit

High-value items have been taken in two jewellery store burglaries in Taranaki.

The central New Plymouth burglaries have led to the arrest of a 24-year-old man, allegedly found at the scene of a burglary on Devon St East.

Police said the first burglary took place on July 29 and substantial damage was caused to a shop, on Devon St West.

Police said in a statement that highvalue items were taken in the burglaries.

The accused appeared in New Plymouth District Court on Friday to answer three charges of burglary, two of which are in relation to the New Plymouth crimes and the other is connected to an Auckland incident.

Police thanked the members of the public who called the police in response to suspicious behaviour.

“Reports from the public meant we were able to stop any further unlawful behaviour occurring and hold this person accountable for their actions,” the statement said.

The burglaries are part of an ongoing crime wave which has included a spike in jewellery store robberies in Auckland.