An 18-year-old man has been arrested after a series of thefts and burglaries across Canterbury, including one incident when stolen keys were used to rob a house.
Police said the man stole house keys with address information from an unlocked vehicle – then later the same night burgled a residential address in Christchurch.
Senior Sergeant Rachel Walker said items stolen during the incidents included "wallets, electronics, bank cards, and house and vehicle keys".
"Police allege he stolen bank cards were then used to make fraudulent purchases at various retail and fuel outlets throughout Canterbury," Walker said.
Vehicles and personal property were targeted across Pegasus, West Melton, Casebrook, Christchurch and Hanmer Springs.
The man faces 20 dishonesty charges, which include burglary, theft from a car, unlawful interference with a motor vehicle, possession of goods used to commit dishonesty offences, and using bank cards to obtain goods dishonestly.
Police identified the offender and located stolen property after thefts from vehicles and burglaries in Hanmer Springs.
"Inquiries linked a number of complaints across the wider Canterbury district."
The man appeared in the Christchurch District Court and was remanded in custody until his next appearance.
"Many of these offences were opportunistic, some involving unlocked vehicles with valuables left inside.
"Police remind the public to lock their vehicles at all times, remove valuables from sight, and never leave bank cards or keys inside cars."
SHARE ME