Second French couple hit by theft

Marion Lastiri and Hugo Ballarin hope someone can help repair their van. Photo / Paul Taylor

French tourists have again been targeted by thieves.

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

They had assumed the van would be safe given the busy street's proximity to the city centre, but thieves had smashed a window and forced the driver's door open, resulting in irreparable damage to its locking mechanism.

"We can still drive it but it's not safe," Ms Lastiri said.

"The problem is that we have to replace the door and window, and we don't know how much that will cost. Our insurance won't cover this."

As tourists, Ms Lastiri claimed they had little money and would now have to find second jobs to pay for repairs.

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.

The couple are currently working for their accommodation at a backpackers in the city centre. Fortunately, their belongings such as laptops and passports were with them at the time of the break-in, and the thieves only got away with a cooler, power converter, and pair of binoculars.

The incident has left Ms Lastiri a bit disappointed with Napier.

"I know it's not the first time that this has happened," she said.

"I feel like Napier's a safe place but now I think there are two or three people doing this, and targeting tourists."

But the couple said this incident would not stop them enjoying the rest of their stay in New Zealand.

They also said they were very grateful to the police now 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.