NEWS

An Auckland bar owner who was burgled on Christmas Eve is angry police did not assign a detective to the case until yesterday - even though he gave them the name, address and picture of the man who allegedly did it.

And yesterday's police action came only after bar owner Nick Brooks went to two MPs and the Herald.

The burglar, who was caught on camera breaking into the coolstore at the back of Francoli Bar and Restaurant in Ellerslie, stole about $2000 worth of beer and wine.

He didn't disguise himself, and his face is clearly visible on the security camera film.

A few hours after the burglary was discovered bar owner Nick Brooks showed the film to an acquaintance who recognised the burglar.

The acquaintance made a few phone calls and quickly had the suspect's name and address, and a tip that he was selling the stolen goods from his home.

Mr Brooks gave these details to police, who also had a copy of the security camera images.

"I thought this information was extremely useful and would provide the catalyst for the police to spring into action ... and venture to the address and perhaps make a quick and easy arrest, and perhaps even recover some of the unsold beverages."


Instead, three weeks passed without a word from the police.

Yesterday, after hearing about how Queenstown police caught a burglar by posting security camera images on the Facebook website, Mr Brooks rang his local station to ask what was happening with his case.

"They told me that the file hadn't been passed on to any detective because 'it's not the only burglary that's happened in Auckland'.

"I said 'it's probably the only one where you have been given the guy's name and address'.".

Frustrated by the lack of action, Mr Brooks sent an email yesterday to local MP Allan Peachey and Act leader Rodney Hide.

"I've lost complete faith in the police and understand why so many people take up petty theft as a career ... the chances of being caught are so remote, " he said in the email.

Both politicians took up the case, and yesterday afternoon police spokeswoman Ana-Mari Gates-Bowey said the file had been allocated to an officer. She was unable to comment on why it had taken so long.

Mr Peachey said the opportunity to recover the stolen alcohol had more than likely passed because of the delay.

"The message sent is that policing is ineffective," he said yesterday.

Mr Hide said it seemed police were bogged down in paperwork rather than catching the criminals.

"Right now it's true that crime pays in New Zealand because the chances of getting caught are very small."