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A man accused of stealing mail and credit cards for years has been arrested.
Sergeant Michael Palmer said Waikato police executed a search warrant earlier this week and took the 28-year-old man into custody.
Hundreds of letters and documents were found at the Hamilton address, Palmer said, with police alleging the mail was used to apply for fraudulent loans and credit cards.
Palmer said the man's alleged offending came onto their radar when a person whose new credit card seemingly never showed up called them and said the credit card was starting to "tally up".
Palmer said the arrest was a "great result" for the community and a reminder for people to report any mail theft.
"We encourage anyone who has been the victim of dishonesty offending to report it as soon as possible.
"There are a number of actions people can take to protect themselves from mail theft, including sending parcels to a work address or ensuring you will be at home when they arrive."
Police tips include:
- Clear your letterbox in a timely manner
- Put your mail delivery on hold if you are going away
- Provide clear delivery instructions for couriers to leave a package safely hidden or secured within your property
- Install security cameras and/or security camera messaging near your letterbox or the front of your property
- Where practical, consider click and collect over delivery
The man was due to reappear in Hamilton District Court on 31 May.
