Hunt for thief who burgled John Key

John Anthony Clark. Photo / Supplied

A professional thief who burgled John Key's multimillion-dollar mansion is on the run.

Police are hunting for John Anthony Clark and warn homeowners in affluent Auckland suburbs to be extra vigilant in the lead-up to Christmas.

Clark is a prolific burglar with 166 convictions and was jailed in July 2009 for five years and three months after admitting to a string of burglaries.

He took at least $100,000 of property over a six-month spree in 2007 - including from Mr Key's $7 million Parnell home - to feed his P addiction.

The 38-year-old Clark was paroled 12 months later, but has breached the terms of his early release. He was supposed to have alcohol and drug counselling at rehabilitation centre Odyssey House but discharged himself.

Now, a prison recall warrant has been issued.

Sergeant Russell Richards, of the Avondale tactical crime unit, said police were keen to find Clark, whom he described as a "prolific burglar".

His method of offending is to break into the second storey of homes, then disable any alarm by ripping it from the wall. He searches room to room for "quick cash" - jewellery and other goods that can be easily sold.

Mr Richards urged home owners to be aware that burglars like Clark "are out and about" at this time of year, either to feed their addictions or get cash or presents.

"Coming up to Christmas, this is the sort of guy we want back inside."

Homes in suburbs such as Parnell, Herne Bay, Epsom, Remuera and Mt Eden were targeted by Clark, as they were more likely to have valuables.

One of those targeted in his last spree was Mr Key's mansion in Parnell.

Between 6.58pm and 8.05pm on July 7, 2007, while the Key family were on holiday in Hawaii, Clark scaled the 2m wall surrounding the St Stephens Ave property and jemmied open a kitchen window.

He stole watches, jewellery, an iPod, a handycam, a jewellery box, house keys and clothing belonging to Mr Key and his wife, Bronagh.

Clark was unaware the burgled home belonged to Mr Key, now the Prime Minister but then the National Party leader.

Clark committed burglaries in 20 homes in Auckland - taking cars, jewellery, watches, cameras, cellphones, a 42-inch plasma television, computers, digital music players, hunting knives and a Spitfire model plane - before police caught him. He even stole an extendable police baton, handcuffs and a Glock pistol holster from an officer in the Mt Wellington burglary squad.

His DNA was left behind in three homes: on a juice bottle, Gucci sunglasses and a hat. He also left a palm print on a stolen Ducati motorcycle.

He was arrested in August 2007 and spent nearly two years in custody before he was sentenced in July 2009.

Judge Nicola Mathers decided against making a reparation order for the $15,000 in stolen property not covered by insurance, as Clark could not pay it.

A repeat of Clark's brazen burglary of Mr Key's home is unlikely now that he is the Prime Minister.

Members of the Diplomatic Protection Squad are always present when he is home, but the size of the property has caused security problems.

The mansion sprawls over 0.2ha and has a pool, tennis court, spa, marble floors and seven living areas.

John Anthony Clark

* 38 years old.

* Convicted 166 times, 54 for burglary.

* Burgled John Key and 19 others. Stole cars, jewellery, watches, cameras, cellphones, plasma TV, computers, iPods, a Spitfire model plane - even a police baton, handcuffs and a gun holster from an officer in the Mt Wellington burglary squad.

* Sentenced to five years and three months in prison in July 2009. Released 12 months later. Prison recall warrant.

* Phone Sergeant Russell Richards of Avondale TCU on (09) 820-5723 or Crimestoppers.