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 tobe 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."
"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...
