Good deed of visiting Australian family soured by downtown Auckland car break-in

The Verdouw family of Melbourne, from left, Jordan, Wendy, Sophie, Caroline and Robert. Photo / Supplied

A visiting Australian family who came to the aid of a collapsed woman at an Auckland waterfront restaurant returned to their car soon after to discover it had been broken into and thousands of dollars worth of belongings stolen.

Melbourne man Robert Verdouw, his wife Wendy and three of their adult children, one of whom is based in Auckland, were enjoying a final meal together before four of the family flew home on Sunday, September 25.

Nearby, a middle-aged woman collapsed after suffering chest pains, badly grazing her face as she fell.

As those on the scene waited for an ambulance, Wendy Verdouw held the woman's hand, Robert Verdouw said.

"This lady, she just wouldn't let go of Wendy's hand. I think she was comforted to know there was someone there. We do wonder how she's doing."

While they had no regrets at stopping to help, the family were devastated to return to Verdouw's daughter's car and discover it had been broken into.

The break-in occurred on a street near Silo Park between 12.30pm and 1.45pm, he said.

Several thousand dollars worth of belongings vanished.

"The items stolen had a monetary and sentimental value. NZ-based daughter lost a borrowed overnight bag, filled with shoes, clothing and an expensive set of cosmetics. The son lost a small day pack, which included his passport, phone, books, but also his diary of the past five years.

"Our [younger] daughter had her work laptop and hard drive stolen."

Verdouw's younger daughter had copped a stern response from her employer, who asked her to pay a AU$1000 ($1053) downpayment for the laptop until insurance could be sorted, he said.

"She was just beside herself when we found out. Her first thought was 'I'm going to lose my job'."

The family did not have travel insurance, but are checking to find out if they are covered through their credit card provider.

The break-in was reported to Auckland police, he said.

A police spokeswoman said they were investigating.

"While no items have yet been recovered we are following a positive line of enquiry."

The experience soured the end of their four-day visit, but had not put them off Auckland, which they had visited several times and held great affection for.

They also had no regrets about stopping to help the unwell woman, even though the break-in may have occurred while they were with her, Verdouw said.

"It's just one of those things you do."