'Gotcha' calling card cuts to chase

You know the police really do want to lock 'em up when they start handing out cards with numbers like 0800 2GET YA on them.

An Auckland man was passed the card two weeks ago with the freephone number on it after North Shore police visited his partner's home.

In his absence, police told his partner the man should get in touch with them as soon as possible in connection with a stolen vehicle.

Unfortunately, the number 0800 2GET YA did not engender a spirit of cooperation, and the first call the man made was to his lawyer.

Auckland lawyer Ron Mansfield said it was unfair for his client to be intimidated in such a manner.

"That number is unprofessional and discloses an apparent bias within the police," he said.

"How do you know they are going to investigate impartially or listen to his explanation fairly when they have determined what they are going to do before they speak to him?"

When the Herald called 0800 2GET YA, we got the following message: "Hi, you've reached the Takapuna police crime control unit. If you'd like to leave a message please do so after the tone and we'll get back to you as soon as possible."

No one from Takapuna police has been available to comment.

Police national headquarters spokesman Jon Neilson said 0800 numbers were often set up for high-profile cases, such as murders.

He said he was not familiar with the Takapuna number because such numbers were managed locally.

As for the man Takapuna police were seeking, he eventually called 0800 2GET YA.

He was charged with car theft and related offences soon after.