Police have caught several people who allegedly stole underwear and lingerie from washing lines around Christchurch in recent weeks.

Canterbury police have recovered several items of lingerie as part of an ongoing investigation into reports of female underwear being stolen from washing lines and inside homes. 

One victim was so upset she had sold her house because she feared what she might find whenever she came home, Detective Sergeant Ross Tarawhiti said.

The woman was one of three victims to report having lingerie and underwear stolen from their properties in Achilles St, Burwood, in June.

Some of the items had been taken from their washing lines, while others were reported to have been taken from inside homes. 

Police searched a property in the area on Thursday morning as part of their investigation, and seized an undisclosed quantity of lingerie.

Only some of the items appeared to match the description of those reported stolen though, and police urged all women living in the Achilles St area to contact police if they had not reported similar thefts already, Tarawhiti said. 

Police were unaware of any other items being taken from the victims apart from underwear.

“The victims are pretty upset about the whole thing. People have come inside their house, they haven’t taken their TV, they’ve taken personal things, like underwear,” Tarawhiti said.

“One of them’s sold their house as a result of it. It’s had a huge impact of them. They’re worried about what might happen when they come home.”

No arrests have been made, but police had “identified a person of interest”, who they believed lived in the neighbourhood. 

Tarawhiti said police had caught several other people committing similar crimes in other parts of the city recently.

In June, a 44-year-old man was arrested during an investigation into female underwear being pinched from washing lines in Elizabeth, Matipo and Wainui streets, in Riccarton.

The man pleaded not guilty on two charges of burglary and was expected to reappear in the Christchurch District Court on July 21. 

Tarawhiti said the cases were “totally separate”, but it was “highly likely” there had been other thefts that had not been reported to police.

It was understandable that potential victims might not have contacted police due to the nature of the crime, but victims were able to request to speak to a female officer, if they preferred, he said.

“People who want to go out and steal women’s underwear – don’t do it because we’ll catch you. Get some help. People who do this have a problem.” 

Anyone in the Burwood area that might have had female lingerie or underwear stolen from their washing lines or had similar items taken from their property were urged to contact Canterbury police by calling 03 363 7400.

Information could also be provided anonymously by calling Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

 - Stuff

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