Nine Rotorua houses searched by officers over Vietnamese organised crime cannabis operations have since been burgled, police say.
Fourteen properties across the city were searched in July, with officers seizing cannabis plants, seedlings and bags of dried cannabis, along with growing gear including lights and fans. Up to $6.5 million worth of cannabis was removed and 16 people were arrested.
Detective Sergeant Leonie Smith said nine of those homes were later burgled – some more than once.
"A house on Hamon Place was burgled on August 6 and a dryer, washing machine, sofa and outdoor furniture were stolen. Other properties had copper piping and building supplies stolen."
She said the offenders did not appear connected to the crime groups behind the cannabis operations.
"It appears local criminals have heard about the searched properties and have decided to burgle the houses looking for leftovers and to see what was left behind that they can take," Simth said.
Five people were caught in the act at one of the addresses on August 7 and were all charged with burglary.
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