New Zealand / Crime

Police find dozens of stolen bicycles in property ring sting

17:40 pm on 5 October 2022

Some of the bikes that were recovered as part of the police Operation Trump Card. Photo: Supplied / NZ Police

Police say they have disrupted a major stolen property ring in Wellington and recovered hundreds of thousands of dollars in illegally obtained property.

More than 60 police officers were involved in the execution of 12 warrants across the capital today as part of Operation Trump Card.

Two men and a woman have been arrested, and police allege that they are key players in receiving stolen goods.

The trio face a variety of receiving-related charges and further charges are likely to follow.

Among the many items are high-value bicycles, including mountain bikes or e-bikes, whiteware and other household appliances, high-value tools and construction materials.

Many of the pushbikes and e-bikes were reportedly stolen from the central city area.

"The offenders have been highly organised and Operation Trump Card has involved months of planning," Acting Detective Senior Sergeant Anna Grant said in a statement.

"The investigation is ongoing and more arrests are likely.

"Over the coming weeks there will be a significant amount of work undertaken to find the rightful owners of this property.

"If anyone has been the subject of theft of burglary, we urge them to report it to police and give as much detail as possible about the stolen items."

Stolen items can be reported by calling 105 or [www.police.govt.nz/use-105 using an online form.]