Police appeal for Bluff theft info

Ariadna Maskiver has received lots of community support. Photo / Duncan Brown

Police are appealing for anyone who may have seen suspicious activity at the Bluff Hill lookout in Napier last Saturday to contact them, as inquiries into the theft of about $3000 from a car owned by a woman visiting the region continue.

Ariadna Maskiver has been on a working holiday in Hawke's Bay and had been picnicking at the bluff, which is one of her favourite spots, with a friend.

They were away from the car for about an hour and upon returning they found thieves had helped themselves to everything inside it - including wallets, passports and a $1000 camera.

Ms Maskiver said she had been shattered by the theft which had spoiled her visit here.

Soon after the incident her credit card was used several times at a Napier supermarket - racking up a $400 bill. It is also understood her camera may have been briefly advertised on a Facebook page, before the post was taken down.

But the Westshore woman who Ms Maskiver is staying with, Ailne Bradley, said there was a silver lining to the incident.

There had been a heartening response from the community after Ms Bradley shared her guest's plight on Facebook, with offers of clothing, food vouchers, accommodation and even free cycle rides flooding in.

The Facebook post had been shared almost 160 times yesterday.

"She's feeling a lot more nurtured," Ms Bradley said. "[The incident] is definitely not a reflection of our community. Everybody is being as accommodating as possible - people are donating breakfasts and coffees to her and Maria in cafes around Napier."

Police have yet to find the culprits and are appealing for anyone with any information to call 06 831 0700 or the confidential Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.