A man has been arrested and is set to appear in court following the burglary of two churches in Canterbury over the past week.

Between Saturday, 8 February, and Tuesday, 11 February, police received reports of break-ins at churches in Eyreton and Christchurch, as well as a burglary at a repeater site in Waimate.

Read More: St Augustine’s Church burgled, sacred items stolen

Several items were stolen, including chalices, ornaments, and other valuables, many of which have since been recovered.

At around midday today, police arrested a 35-year-old man near the Rakaia Bridge following an investigation led by Canterbury Rural Police.

The suspect is scheduled to appear before the Christchurch District Court tomorrow, Saturday, 15 February, on charges related to the three burglaries.

Senior Sergeant Stephen McDaniel said police would not tolerate individuals taking advantage of community spaces and would pursue all relevant leads to identify and locate those responsible.

“We are glad to be able to hold this offender, who showed little regard for the community, to account,” McDaniel said.