Irreplaceable photos among items stolen from car as family farewelled loved one.

A man accused of being part of an international robbery group which netted $770,000 worth of jewellery last month has appeared in court.

A burglar broke into homes by reaching through the cat-flap and unlocking doors, a court was told today.

Earthquake offenders were "vultures feeding on the corpses of the dead", according to a Christchurch judge.