Police investigating overnight burglary at Kerikeri Hunting & Fishing

The Hunting & Fishing store in Kerikeri was targeted overnight.

Police are investigating an overnight burglary at Kerikeri Hunting & Fishing.

The burglary was reported about 6.30am, police say.

Owner Byron Smith said the glass storefront was found smashed early today.

“We’re pretty gutted really. I mean you’ve got however many staff in that store, and it’s our workplace which is our second home.”

He said the burglary was a sign of the times and felt those responsible were fairly organised.

They targeted top-end clothing and lighting equipment such as head torches, he said. No firearms were taken.

“The precautions we have make it very difficult to try and get into that area.”

A cabinet with lighting equipment was smashed in the burglary.

Smith said loyal customers were outraged.

“When something like this happens it does hit home a bit because a lot of our customers do call this place ‘church’.”

“It’s their place to come and enjoy and when their holy ground gets tampered with, it affects not only us.”

Despite the event, the store was open for customers through another entrance.

“If everything goes well I was planning on being out fishing tomorrow,” Smith said.

A police spokesman said anyone with information could contact 105 using the reference number P061440057.

Brodie Stone covers crime and emergency for the Northern Advocate. She has spent most of her life in Whangārei and is passionate about delving into issues that matter to Northlanders and beyond.