Hamilton Police investigating the burglary of Chiefs' coach David Rennie's family home while his team was securing the Super 15 Rugby final are hoping the strong community support behind the team's win can be harnessed to find those responsible for the beak-in.
Detective Sergeant Neville Ross of the Hamilton Law Enforcement team confirmed Police were called to the family's Huntington address by neighbours about 10.45pm on Saturday.
"The neighbours had heard a suspicious noise and gone to investigate, found the home had been broken into, and then rang Police.
"A Police dog and handler were part of the initial response however the track of the offenders was lost after a short distance which indicates the offenders probably had a car waiting a short distance away."
Mr Ross said amongst items taken was a safe that contained distinctive gold jewellery belonging to Mrs Rennie.
"This jewellery is quite distinctive and we are asking any members of the public, gold buyers or jewellers offered such items for sale to contact Police."
Among the items taken were;
• A 9ct gold bracelet, double strand 'curb' shaped and hollow design link bracelet fitted with dimension 'end' bar and bezel strip setting with single bottom ring type clasp fitted with triple bezel set settings
• A 9ct gold bracelet, 'curb' design integrated link bracelet fitted with plain 'puff heart' type padlock clasp
• A 9ct gold bracelet, medium hinged and single strip design diamond cut and flat and rolled 'curb' type links fitted with taper 'plate' setting attached to either end. Bracelet fitted with gold 'crab claw' type clasp.
• A 9ct gold necklace, large double strand 'curb' shaped and hollow design link. Necklace fitted with dimension 'end' bar and bezel strip setting with single bolt ring type clasp with triple bezel set settings.
• A 14ct gold bracelet, single strip design diamond cut 'curb' type fitted with gold 'push in' type and rhodium plated hinged fold-over design clasp.
"Investigators believe information key to identifying who was responsible for this burglary lies within the local community. It was this same community being served by Mr Rennie's team in terms of a positive lift to the region with the Chief's win and we would like Chiefs fans to become our eyes and ears on this matter."
Anyone with any information on Saturday's burglary is asked to contact Mr Ross at the Hamilton Central Police Station on 07 8586200. Alternatively information can be left anonymously with Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.
End
