Prevention Sgt Tim Coudret said inquiries began after a noted rise in thefts from vehicles over the preceding weeks.
Individuals were investigated and identified, with surveillance footage leading police to search the property of a suspect and uncover a large number of stolen vehicles.
A 17-year-old has appeared in the Dunedin Youth Court and is scheduled to reappear in court later in the month.
Sgt Coudret said it was always "positive" to hold someone to account and for the public to be reunited with their stolen property.
"All of the property were vehicles reported stolen in the Milton area. Some vehicles had forced entry and some were left unlocked," he said.
"It is hard, because we want these people off the street, but people should always remember to ‘lock it or lose it’. Make sure your cars are locked, ensure basic safety is done in and around your homes."
He said offending had stopped in Milton since the arrest, and residential security cameras were instrumental to investigations as well as giving homeowners some peace of mind.
"It’s like a mini crime ring has stopped in Milton ... One thing that definitely helped was the CCTV footage from a property [which] ultimately helped us to identify the suspect. Without it we may not have — if at all."
Sgt Coudret wanted the public to think about the "crime triangle" as summer approached.
"You have your victim, your offender and your opportunity. Unfortunately, as we’re leading into warmer days and longer nights, there are people out there who will take advantage.
"If we all try our best to minimise the opportunity, we can cause that triangle to topple . . . Things like sensor lights and cameras made a big difference in keeping homes safe."
Some of the recovered stolen property had not yet been identified, so if people knew of vehicles which had been stolen they should contact local police.
Police are also appealing for help after a "significant amount" of diesel was taken from a property in River Rd, Conical Hill, about 4.30am on Monday, October 21.
People with information on the occupants of a blue Ford Courier towing a Honda all-terrain vehicle can contact the police website or call 105, using reference number 241021/0806.
Information can be provided anonymously via the Crime Stoppers line, 0800 555 111.
