Diamond heist: 'Stolen to order or stolen by experts'

Global Diamond in Kerikeri was targeted by thieves.

The owners of a Kerikeri jewellery business are reeling after thieves targeted the best bling in the shop.

Manufacturing and retail jeweller Diamonds Direct, in Kerikeri Rd, was burgled at around 3am yesterday morning.

The burglars knew what they wanted, going for the best quality items after breaking in through the back door and then smashing the front of a designer rings show cabinet in the shop, the company's co-owner said. He asked not be named.

The owner said the diamonds may have been stolen to order or stolen by experts. The thieves must have been into the store, possibly more than once, to "case it out", he said.

"They certainly knew what to take."

Sample and costume jewellery rings that were in the same cabinet were left untouched. Only the one cabinet was hit.

The owner would not say what the value of the stolen items was, "for security reasons".

Yesterday afternoon, repairs were made to the shop and security specialists installed new systems.

Mid-North police said the break-in activated an alarm but by the time security staff arrived the burglars had gone.

Kerikeri Senior Sergeant Peter Robinson said the offenders had not been identified through CCTV footage but police had yet to carry out more forensic investigation on security cameras and other evidence.

The footage showed at least two offenders, Mr Robinson said.
Close circuit cameras at the rear of the building had been disabled, he said.

The police would like anyone with any information, or people being offered jewellery of unknown origin or under suspicious circumstances, to let the police know. They can call their local police station or make an anonymous call to the Crimestoppers freephone, 0800 555 111.