Photos of theft accused on Auckland billboards

A photo of a suspected thief has been plastered on billboards throughout Auckland to help police catch him.

The man is believed to have stolen 15 transformers attached to a neon sign on the corner of Cobden St and Karangahape Rd, on October 12.

Unfortunately for him he was photographed by a witness who thought the removal of the transformers was suspicious and handed the pictures to police.

Sergeant Roy Simpson said the owner of the transformers valued at $5000 published the photos in an attempt to identify the thief and recover the transformers.

"The photographer has been able to provide excellent evidence and it's only a matter of time before the man in the photo is identified," Mr Simpson said.

"This is a classic example of how the community and police can - and do - work together to detect and resolve crime."

- NZPA