Couple blown away by swell of support from public

French tourists Marion Lastiri and boyfriend Hugo Ballarin, with their van which was broken into last week in Napier. Photo / File

A French couple who had their van broken into last week have been overwhelmed with offers of support.

Marion Lastiri and Hugo Ballarin were woken by police on July 3 to be told their van had been broken into after they left it parked on Shakespeare Rd, Napier.

Thieves smashed a window and forced the driver's door open, resulting in irreparable damage to its locking mechanism.

The incident sparked a swell of support from the public.

"We have been very surprised how many people have offered to help us," Ms Lastiri said.

Cleaning and pruning work have been offered as well as free accommodation.

They will need to work until they can afford the van repairs.

"It should take one to two weeks and we should have enough to get to Bay of Plenty," she said.

They are appealing for help from any garages or members of the public who can help; who may have a spare van door or can repair their van cheaply.

"If a garage wanted to help we would welcome that," Ms Lastiri said.

The couple are currently working for their accommodation at a backpackers in the city centre.

The thieves got away with a cooler, power converter, and pair of binoculars. They said this incident would not stop them enjoying the rest of their stay.

"It's a really nice place and we are very grateful to all the people that have offered to help."

Ms Lastiri said she still felt safe in New Zealand and that this sort of thing happens everywhere in the world.

"At least they have nothing to steal now," she said.

They also said they were very grateful to the police who are investigating the break-in.

On June 27, another French tourist couple had their campervan broken into while it was parked on Marine Parade. Their backpacks, and gifts for family and friends were stolen but later found.

Anyone who saw suspicious activity around the van in Shakespeare Rd is asked to phone the police on 831 0700 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.