Dunedin police executed a successful sting, just two hours after a couple reported a Samsung Galaxy smartphone and wallet had been stolen, Senior Sergeant Steve Aitken said.
On Tuesday afternoon, the items were taken from a George St business premises, and at 5pm the partner of the victim received a text on his phone, that someone was trying to change the SIM card on the phone.
After making contact by text and phoning the alleged thief, who arranged to sell them the phone, the couple then contacted police.
Snr Sgt Aitken said as part of the sting a police officer executed a search warrant and retrieved the items shortly after 9pm.
A 15-year-old boy has been charged with burglary and was remanded to appear in the Dunedin Youth Court later this month.
Snr Sgt Aitken praised the technology, which enabled the case to be resolved in less than two hours, and urged those people with security features on their smartphones to activate them.
Debbie Hayde said it was fantastic to be reunited with her smartphone, and she recommended other users activate the feature.
