Wedding gatecrasher prime suspect in theft of cash in envelopes

Whangarei couple Francis and Kerrie Davies suspect a gatecrasher at their wedding reception stole envelopes that contained cash given by invited guests. PHOTO/SUPPLIED

Allowing a gatecrasher to attend their wedding reception was the only thing Francis and Kerry Davies say did not go perfectly to plan.

After the party concluded at the Northland Hockey Centre bar and pavilion in Kensington early last Sunday, the Whangarei couple learned envelopes containing wedding cards and cash given by invited guests were missing.

They suspect the gatecrasher stole the money while guests were busy celebrating.

Mr Davies, who works at Kamo Scrap Metals, said he briefly saw the man once when he came to sell scrap and recognised him at the party.

The Davies got married on Saturday afternoon at Dempster House in Kauri and their wedding reception was booked at the hockey pavilion that evening.

Mr Davies said his family initially thought the gatecrasher was a friend of the DJ but later learnt that was not the case. He said the man started talking to guests and drinking wine soon after he arrived.

"He wasn't causing trouble and everyone was in a good mood so we allowed him to stay," Mr Davies said.

There were six envelopes when the wedding reception started, he said, but he estimated the final number to have been close to 12. He could not say how much money was in the envelopes.

Mr Davies reported the theft on Sunday and gave Whangarei police the man's personal details.

"We tried not to let the incident spoil our wedding celebration but it was one thing that didn't go perfectly to plan.

"I spent a lot of time playing hockey and all those that came to the reception were family and friends. It was a happy place of trust...just didn't expect something like that to happen."

The couple have a 14-month-old daughter Lucy.

Whangarei police Senior Sergeant Stephanie Hudson confirmed a report had been lodged and said investigations were continuing.

"The complainant has nominated a suspect and we are working on it."