Alexandra police hope to reunite about 100 items stolen by teenagers over the past couple of months with their rightful owners.
The thefts, typically from unlocked cars and garages, have affected at least 19 people or families in Alexandra and Clyde that police know about, although they suspect there could be more.
Senior Constable Gordy Pay said a stolen credit card, which was used on online gaming sites, was traced back to one of the accused thieves, effectively breaking the ring.
Through their investigation, police found some items had been listed on the Facebook page Central Otago Buy-Sell-Swap.
One complainant had seen her shoes advertised on the site and had bought them back.
Const Pay said the boys were computer savvy, especially with Trade Me-type sites and gaming sites, and had a large number of user names and passwords.
In one complainant's case, the thieves had racked up $3000 on two credit cards. Police think some of the stolen items have been given to other young people and others have been thrown into the Clutha River.
All the items held by police were recovered from one person's house and include a scooter, bicycles, several cameras, cellphones, other electronic equipment, knives, clothing, wallets, glasses and alcohol.
Constable Sam Williams said the Alexandra-Clyde area was generally safe and free from this kind of offending.
''It's really significant for our town. Generally speaking, these things don't happen.''
Police were unable to say for sure that the boys were responsible for all the recent thefts but they were known to have targeted cars and garages, he said.
Two boys, aged 14 and 15, were arrested on Friday and charged with burglary, theft from cars and using a document (credit card) for pecuniary advantage.
They are expected to appear in the Youth Court today. Police are yet to talk to another 15-year old boy they believe was also involved.
Police will be contacting complainants in regards to the recovered items but are asking anyone who may be missing property to contact Alexandra police.
Alexandra police are also appealing for sightings of suspicious behaviour between 1.30am and 2am on Saturday.
Sergeant Matthew Alley said a large rock was thrown through a window of the Night 'n Day shop in Centennial Ave and a large paving stone was thrown through a window of Terrace Store in Royal Tce.
Given the nature and proximity of the incidents, it could be the same person, he said.
