Police yesterday confirmed the men were arrested after search warrants were simultaneously executed at two Mosgiel addresses about 10am on Tuesday.
Zane Allison (22) and Jamie Edward Kirby (27) appeared in the Dunedin District Court yesterday charged with five counts of unlawfully taking motor vehicles and a further charge of theft related to a car stereo, sub woofer and jumper leads.
The head of Dunedin’s tactical crime unit, Senior Sergeant Phill Hamlin, said police were continuing to investigate the case.
‘‘As a result of the searches, two unemployed Mosgiel males were arrested and have been charged with a number of offences.
‘‘Police inquiries are continuing to identify if these males or their associates are also involved in the theft of other Nissan vehicles around the greater Dunedin area recently.’’
The matter came to light last month when a Nissan Primera was driven into the Taieri River and a Nissan Sentra was abandoned on the riverbank at Outram Glen on May 17.
Police confirmed it was possible more than 10 vehicles could be linked to an offender who they suspected was stealing the vehicles, taking them for joyrides and then dumping them.
Allison and Kirby had been charged in relation to the theft of four Primeras and a Subaru Impreza, most of the charges relating to thefts this month, Snr Sgt Hamlin said.
‘‘If anyone has information relating to the recent vehicle thefts we encourage them to call Dunedin police,’’ he said.
The pair were remanded in custody without plea to reappear today.
