Operation Hotpot saw multiple search warrants executed on Monday.
The men, aged 38 and 40, have been charged with two and 16 charges of burglary respectively.
Detective Senior Sergeant Dave Thompson said the items were of substantial value, but more importantly a high degree of sentimental value or emotional value was also attached to them.
"Sometimes presents from whānau that have since passed, or from significant times where they've purchased a mark of memory," he said.
"And a lot of people were absolutely affected by this loss, so we've had a look at it and through investigative work, we were able to identify these two who were responsible for the vast majority of these burglaries."
He said it was "absolutely" a good use of police resources.
"This was a quick sharp investigation.
"It didn't tie up a significant amount of resource for a significant amount of time, but the reality is it's burglary.
"It's someone's home - it's an invasion on their own privacy," he said.
"It was clear that many of the people who had these items stolen had been deeply affected.
"People should be able to have these items of value without them being a threat of being taken."
Police were wanting to reunite the stolen items with their owners.
The men were due to appear in the Palmerston North District Court on Tuesday.
RNZ
