Burglars caught after Facebook gaffe

Police were lead to the criminals after they posted the stolen property for sale online.

A Kaeo couple have nominated themselves for the dumb criminals hall of fame after posting stolen property on a local Facebook page hours after allegedly stealing it.

Marty's Golf Driving Range and Cafe owners Marty Weymouth and Glenda Swan arrived at their Waipapa business on Thursday morning to find a window smashed and wine, soft drinks and food missing. But worse was the theft of five bows plus arrows, worth $400 each and bought just months earlier for an archery range.

However, by Thursday afternoon almost all their property had been recovered.

The Advocate understands a post on the Kerikeri Buy, Swap, Sell Facebook page - plus help from the public - led police directly to the alleged offenders.

The post, which included a name and cellphone number, read: "Anybody looking to buy bow and arrow? Excellent condition ... am wanting to get rid of asap. Selling on behalf, offrs over $80."

Detective Bill Dawson, of Kerikeri police, said a 21-year-old woman and a 24-year-old man from Kaeo were arrested on Friday. The male was due to appear in the Kaikohe District Court on Saturday. The woman was due in court this week. Both had been charged with burglary.

Mr Dawson said the public had played a key role in the arrests and recovering the stolen property.

"Full marks to the public. They really came to the party and helped local community members. This was a community-backed investigation, we wouldn't have been able to do it without them," he said.

Mr Weymouth and Ms Swan have also expressed their gratitude to Northland's online community for their support and for helping to nab the offenders.

As of last Friday one green archery bow was still missing.

If you can help, call Kerikeri police on (09) 407 9211.