A spate of burglaries and other offences in Motueka during the past two months has led to 11 children aged 16 and under being referred to Youth Aid.
Sergeant Rob Crawford said the police believed the youngsters were behind 26 burglaries, three thefts and one incident of intentional damage and arson.
The burglaries included two separate incidents at Motueka Marina in which boats were broken into, Mr Crawford said.
A range of stolen property had been recovered, including flares, electronic items and food. Police were contacting victims and identifying the owners of the property recovered.
