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A house that's home to New Zealand's favourite fictional family of criminals is attracting real-life wrongdoers.
Neighbours of the 1960s property used in hit show Outrageous Fortune report unwanted visits by drunken fans trying to peek into the world of the Wests. One group even had drinks on the deck of the West Auckland house made famous by the show's main characters.
"They basically just pulled the garden furniture around and had a little drink up there, buzzing out that they were having drinks at the Wests' house," said a neighbour.
Outdoor furniture has been stolen and beer cans left in the garden.
"It can be quite unnerving," she continued. "Some people don't get a grip that it's not a reality show."
The woman said she remembered the first day of filming. "It sort of reminded me of E.T. when all the space people arrived at the house. I opened up my blinds in the morning and there were people everywhere. You're in a bit of a goldfish bowl."
Outrageous Fortune tells the story of the Wests and their attempts to go straight. First screened in New Zealand in June 2005, it has been a commercial and critical hit. The show picked up a swag of awards at last year's Qantas TV Awards, including best drama, best actress for Robyn Malcolm, best actor for Antony Starr and best script for James Griffin.
The series, or versions of it, has been sold to networks in Britain, Ireland, Italy, Canada, Australia and Slovenia.
Only the outside of the West Auckland house is used for the show, as all interior shots take place in a studio.
Other neighbours thought the show was entertaining, but sometimes went too far. One woman, who has lived in the street for nine years, said she found the show "too westie. It's not family at all, I don't want my kids to see that."
She had also noticed an influx of visitors to the street. "It's sort of like a tourist attraction. You still see a lot of people go past and take photos." She said some people had stood outside for two hours.
Fellow neighbour, Tracey, said the show was fun, but not a true reflection of West Auckland. "It's playing up on all the traits of people everywhere and emphasising them." But she enjoyed watching the show. "It's just nice something local has become so popular."
A resident, called Carol, said people shouldn't be offended by the show. "It's a programme. It's a bit of fun, for goodness sake."
Other neighbours enjoyed seeing their street turned into a film set. A woman, who has lived next door for 40 years, said the crew kept them informed of filming schedules. "I can sit here and see the things happening on the deck. I find it interesting."
