Backpacker returns home empty-handed

Acting Senior Sergeant Sarah Wihongi

A 19-year-old German backpacker flew home on Tuesday, without the souvenirs, photos and diaries he had collected during eight weeks in New Zealand, and camping and travel gear he had acquired over five years.

Simon Lieb said his backpack was stolen at Waipapakauri at 9.30am on Wednesday last week, by a couple who gave him a ride from Kaitaia, then drove off as he got out of the car, taking his property with them.

He contacted the police, giving the make, model and colour of the car, and its registration (which turned out to belong to another vehicle).

He could also offer descriptions of the couple who had taken his property, but none of that had done him any good.

Over following days he saw the car, with the same "boy and girl," in Kaitaia three times. Twice he phoned the police within seconds, and both times was told that they were "keeping an eye out" for them.

"No police car was sent to the location I told them, and nothing else happened," Mr Lieb said.

"Today [Monday] I saw them for the third time, and I am really frustrated, because I am searching now for the last three days in Kaitaia for them."

He did not believe the police had made any effort to recover his property, and hoped the Northland Age could pressure on the police into making a greater effort to find the car.
"I also hope that more people will look for the car and be able to give information, if they see it," he added.

"You are my last hope to get at least some of my stuff back, and to help backpackers in the future by apprehending the thieves."

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Acting Senior Sergeant Sarah Wihongi said she was not aware of Mr Lieb's complaint, but it would be investigated.

The officers who dealt with him initially had gone to great lengths to be of assistance to him, and it was not clear whether his later contact had been directly with the Kaitaia station or via 111.