Quake city shock over cop accused of stealing

Quake-ravaged Christchurch received help from all over New Zealand. Photo / Simon Baker

Earthquake-battered Christchurch residents are upset that a police officer is suspected of stealing from a quake-affected business, saying it tarnishes the disaster response by other officers.

Police revealed yesterday the constable, from the North Island, resigned after evidence emerged that he stole three pairs of sunglasses from a cordoned-off shop in suburban Christchurch following the deadly quake in February last year.

Police reluctantly decided not to charge him because they did not believe they had sufficient evidence to prove the theft in court.

The officer did not admit the theft, but police say his actions have tainted the mammoth efforts of other officers after the quake.

"It's obviously sad when you read something like this," said Dr Maan Alkaisi, a co-chair of the Quake Families Group.

He felt the accused officer did not represent police, who worked very hard after the quake.

CanCern, a group representing Christchurch's quake-affected residents, said many emergency service staff went above and beyond their normal duties after the quake.

"And for someone to step out of line, and do something that is seen by most people as theft, is a tragedy," said chairman Tom McBrearty.

"Every now and then you do get a bad apple who succumbs to temptation, and that's probably a classic example."

Police assistant commissioner Dave Cliff said the matter was investigated thoroughly by senior officers.

The constable was suspended once evidence of his involvement emerged. But legal advice was that there was not enough evidence to prove a charge of theft.

"Officers' fingerprints are recorded for elimination purposes, but it is not lawful for these to be used for any other purpose," Mr Cliff said.

A disciplinary hearing conducted by an independent senior barrister was held, and after this the constable resigned.

"I am satisfied that police ... have taken every possible action against the officer, and his police career is now over," Mr Cliff said.

"The tragedy arising from this investigation is that literally thousands of police officers from New Zealand and overseas worked for months to help the people of Christchurch ...

"The actions of this individual have tainted that effort."

Plasterer Victor Tupotahi Jackson, 38, was yesterday sentenced in the Christchurch District Court to two years in jail and ordered to pay reparation of $6000 for stealing from the central Christchurch earthquake red zone while he was working there as a contractor.

Jackson took almost $40,000 of clothing, shoes, jewellery and cosmetics.