A warrant for the arrest of Ricky Millar Rigby has been issued by the Dunedin District Court and police want to speak to him following the burglary of homes in Balmacewen Rd and Lynn St during Labour Weekend.
More than $50,000 was stolen from Garry Power and Kate Aynsley's Balmacewen Rd home and at least $15,000 was taken from a Lynn St home occupied by flatmates Damon Johnson, Stuart Henderson and Ryan Keogh.
Sergeant Sheldon Kindley said police had recovered a 2006 Ford BF Falcon XR6 stolen from the Balmacewen Rd address and believed to have been used to transport the stolen goods.
It was located yesterday in Cosy Dell Rd, Dunedin.
''Both these burglaries were out of the norm, due to the large amounts of property that was stolen and it appears that the offenders were aware that the occupants were away, as they had to have spent a fair amount of time inside the addresses,'' Sgt Kindley said.
Police believed Rigby might be the key to solving the burglaries.
A team of six police staff was investigating the burglaries.
Police wanted to hear from anyone who might have information about those responsible or have come into possession of items stolen from the addresses, Sgt Kindley said.
Ms Aynsley said the recovery of her vehicle meant much to the couple.
''That's a big thing to get back,'' she said.
While cleaning up, the couple discovered a balaclava which had been handed to police, she said.
She thanked police and the public for their support.
Anyone with information about the burglaries, or the dumping of the utility vehicle should contact Dunedin police on 471-4800.
Information can also be provided anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
