Arrests made after goods purchased with stolen cards using payWave

Thousands of dollars' worth of goods have been purchased using the cards' payWave functionality.
Thousands of dollars' worth of goods have been purchased using the cards' payWave functionality. Photo credit: Supplied / Police

Four people have been arrested following a series of thefts from cars in the western Bay of Plenty.

Police carried out a series of search warrants in Greerton, Pyes Pa, Welcome Bay, Papamoa, Bethlehem and Anthentree over the past few weeks.

The suspects stole valuable items, including wallets. Thousands of dollars' worth of goods have been purchased using the cards' payWave functionality, which doesn't require a pin number.

The four are due to appear in Tauranga District Court on charges relating to theft and fraud in the coming days.

The investigation is ongoing and police are still seeking other people in relation to the offending.

A significant amount of property has been recovered including tools, wallets, sunglasses and bags.

If you recognise any of the items, please contact Greerton police on 105.