Gisborne cat burglar who 'repeatedly' stole clothes nabbed in police operation

The thief in action. Photo / NZ Police

A Gisborne home owner whose clothes drying rack was repeatedly targeted by a thief sought help from police to nab the culprit.

They set up covert cameras to capture the thief - and were shocked when they learned the identity of the brazen thief.

The criminal mastermind turned out to be a small ginger cat.

The Eastern District Police shared the quirky crime tale on their Facebook page this afternoon.

"Police received a report from a concerned Gisborne property owner whose clothes dryer was being repeatedly targeted overnight for items including underwear, socks and tops," the post said.

"Police set up a motion-activated camera and waited for the culprit to return.

"The offender obviously thought they were committing the purr-fect crime and soon appeared again, but this time they were snapped in the act.

"The footage established that the purr-petrator was small, with ginger hair and used a specific modus operandi of grabbing items of clothing in their mouth before sneaking off into the night."

The humorous and pun-laden post continued.

"Although the cat is out of the bag for this offender, Eastern District claw enforcement officers are still trying to establish a motive.

"It is possible the items were being stolen for a comfy catnap."

Police said the case showed how important it was to report crime or suspicious activity.

"Another reminder to report any offence, so police can look into it – and please keep an eye out for any unusual items your feline friends bring home," they said.

On Tuesday 29 January, Police received a report from a concerned Gisborne property owner whose clothes dryer was being...

Posted by Eastern District Police on Saturday, 2 February 2019