By KELLY BLANCHARD in Rotorua
A cheeky burglar who stole a packet of tobacco from a Rotorua house took time to sit down and roll a cigarette for his victim.
Police suspect the same man was also involved in a bizarre theft the night before when shoes were stolen from
a man sleeping in a tent. The odd burglar has Rotorua police worried his actions could end in harm, either to the offender or victims.
The man is thought to be responsible for several burglaries and thefts in the Tarewa, Whittaker and Bennetts roads areas in recent weeks.
Police are concerned about the offender's boldness as he has broken into houses at night when occupants are asleep.
On Sunday night the burglar broke into a house on Tarewa Rd. He stole a packet of tobacco but left behind one rolled cigarette - and a blue jacket.
In the early hours of Sunday morning, police believe the same man took shoes from inside a tent at a motorcamp on Whittaker Rd.
The man in the tent yelled out but instead of running away, the offender found a stick, poking it at the occupant several times before taking off in the direction of Whittaker Rd.
Sergeant Percy Ruri of the Rotorua police said the man was described as a Maori, aged in his 20s, 180cm tall with a shoulder-length bob-style haircut.
"Chances are he lives locally and is quite comfortable with his surroundings to be committing these types of offences."
People should not confront the man but are urged to contact police with any information.
