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\nPolice chose Habitat For Humanity as a suitable charity.
\nPhoto: NZ Police\n<\/p>\n
A local charity will benefit from stolen property, after a North Canterbury burglar was sentenced in the Christchurch District Court last week.<\/p>\n
Last year, police identified a pattern of late-night burglaries at residential construction sites in Rangiora and Rolleston between March and April, where ovens, cooktops, lighting and other new fixtures were being stolen.<\/p>\n
Area prevention manager Senior Sergeant Rachel Walker said the offending caused considerable stress, delays, and financial loss for homeowners and builders across the region.<\/p>\n
The 42-year-old man was sentenced to nine months and 14 days’ home detention, Walker said.<\/p>\n
“Amongst the sentencing conditions, the judge ordered that all recovered property that had no known owner was to be donated to charity,” she added.<\/p>\n
![\"Police](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/nz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/4JR1UIQ_Van_content_png.jpeg\")
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\nThe stolen goods donated to Habitat for Humanity New Zealand.
\nPhoto: NZ Police\n<\/p>\n
“This is a great outcome and ensures that the community benefits from the recovery of stolen property.”<\/p>\n
Police chose Habitat For Humanity as a suitable charity.<\/p>\n
The charity focuses on providing and improving housing lower-income families through initiatives like rent-to-buy programmes and community rentals, allocating warm, dry and safe housing based on need.<\/p>\n
“The remaining 52 appliances and fittings that were recovered by police may now provide direct benefit to community groups and families who need them,” Walker said.<\/p>\n
“This was a great piece of investigative work from the team and even better that this goes towards helping people in our communities.”<\/p>\n