An 18-year-old man has been arrested and charged over a series of thefts from vehicles, burglaries and fraudulent card use across Canterbury — including an incident where house keys taken from an unlocked car in Hanmer Springs were allegedly used later the same night to burgle a Christchurch home.

Police say the man faces more than 20 dishonesty charges, including burglary, theft ex car, unlawful interference with a motor vehicle, possession of goods used to commit dishonesty offences, and using bank cards to obtain goods dishonestly.

The alleged offending targeted vehicles overnight in Pegasus, West Melton, Casebrook, Christchurch and Hanmer Springs. Stolen items included wallets, electronics, bank cards, and house and vehicle keys. Police allege some of the stolen bank cards were then used to make purchases at retail and fuel outlets around the region.

Following vehicle thefts and burglaries reported in Hanmer Springs, Hanmer Rural Police identified a suspect and located stolen property. The investigation, led by the Canterbury Rural Tactical Crime Unit, linked multiple complaints across the wider district.

The man has appeared in the Christchurch District Court and has been remanded in custody until his next appearance.

Police are reminding people to lock vehicles, remove valuables from sight, and avoid leaving bank cards or keys inside cars.