Beat that burglar

Two cheeky burglars are no match for retiree Lesley Buckleigh and Kumeu police.

The Waimauku resident caught the two men stealing her television on March 9 when she returned from the back of her large property.

A quick confrontation was followed by a 111 call and Lesley was able to describe the get-away car.

Nearby police acted fast to catch the pair, and goods worth more than $25,000 were recovered.

The stolen cash, jewellery and electronics were linked to three other burglaries in the area.

"The police were unbelievable," Lesley, 60, says. "They had the whole thing wrapped up in a hour."

The thieves' brazenness made her angry and she did not believe the excuse they were looking for their boss.

She warns others not to give the benefit of the doubt to strangers, and to call police about suspicious behaviour.

"The police are right in there," Lesley says.

"Don't be afraid to call them."

Kumeu Community Constable Mike Collins says people on lifestyle blocks should be especially diligent.

He says leaving the door unlocked in rural areas seems to be a past tradition. "But I'd like to see it stay the same."

He also encourages people to get to know neighbours.

Two men appeared in the Waitakere District Court last week. Both were charged with burglary and one with receiving stolen property.

- © Fairfax NZ News