Parents arrested over burglary with child in getaway car

The Shwe family (left) with their neighbour Cheryl Manukau and her daughter. Photo / Brett Phibbs

The parents accused of burgling a South Auckland home while their children were in the getaway car have appeared in court and been referred to Child Youth and Family.
The burglary happened on Saturday morning and shocked neighbours could see a young child in the back seat of the car.

The Shwe family, from Burma, had only just left home when the thieves struck. It was witnessed by a neighbour who did not have a phone but was able to take down the car registration and call police later.

Htoolar Shwe lost her computer which she needs for school and which contains pictures, many of relatives in Burma. Police praised her neighbour's quick action.

Counties Manukau police spokeswoman Ana Mari Gates Bowey said the arrests were made on Wednesday. None of the stolen property was located, however.

Police said the couple, aged 24 and 25, said they had two children, aged 5 and 6, in the car at the time of the burglary.

Ms Gates Bowey said there had been a referral to Child Youth and Family and the couple were jointly charged with burglary.

Htoolar Shwe said she was pleased about the arrests but wanted her computer back, which contained vital school work as well as personal photographs.

Police and the Herald have received offers of help for the family, ranging from money to a replacement computer to a burglar alarm.

She was very grateful to the people who offered support. "It's very nice of them. I want to say thank you to these people."

The couple will face another hearing at Manukau District Court next month.