Gear taken in smash and grab

GUTTED: Sportsman's Choice-Kayak Zone owner John Waldron with one of the damaged reels after his store was burgled this week. PHOTO/MICHAEL CUNNINGHAM

Fishing reels worth $1000 have been stolen in a smash and grab robbery of a Whangarei business and now the owner is hoping the thieves will be caught through social media.

Seven reels were taken along with two dive gear bags after a display window was smashed at Sportsman's Choice-Kayak Zone on Vine St at 1.28pm on Thursday.

Three other reels, Kilwell RXB65 baitfeeders, were damaged as part of the break-in.

The initial smash was made and then opportunist thieves took advantage of the access to the shop and also made off with gear.

Owner John Waldron said he had posted photos of the damage on the business's Facebook page and there had already been 3000 views and the pictures had been shared 29 times.

"It would be nice to get our stuff back and catch those who did this," Mr Waldron said.

He said in tough economic times a break-in was the last thing he wanted.

"Things are pretty tight as it is ... we just don't need this."

Because the shop had a $1000 excess on their insurance policy it wasn't worth them making a claim.

The dive bags were coloured blue and the other black with silver handles.

Security camera footage had been handed over to police.

According to Mr Waldron, the thieves were last seen running towards the bus stop in Rose St.

Anyone with information about the robbery should contact Constable Shane Dunn at Whangarei police station on 430 4500 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 111 555.