GRATEFUL: Marty's Cafe co-owners Marty Weymouth and Glenda Swan with one of the recovered bows, less than 12 hours after it was stolen. PHOTO/PETER DE GRAAF
GRATEFUL: Marty's Cafe co-owners Marty Weymouth and Glenda Swan with one of the recovered bows, less than 12 hours after it was stolen. PHOTO/PETER DE GRAAF
A Far North couple's emotions turned from despair to delight within hours of a break-in at their Waipapa business.
Marty Weymouth and Glenda Swan, who own Marty's Golf Driving Range and Cafe, arrived at their State Highway 10 business at 8am on Thursday to find shattered glass and half-empty freezers.
Overnight thieves had taken wine, soft drinks and pre-prepared food for their cafe. But perhaps most discouraging was the theft of five compound bows, bought just three months ago for a new archery range.
"It was a new business venture for us, a new addition, so we were gutted when they were taken," Ms Swan said.
That despair did not last long, however. By the time the Advocate called in at 3pm police had recovered most of the food and drink and three of the bows, which are worth $400 each. Another bow was returned yesterday.
Ms Swan said they were amazed and relieved to have their property back so quickly. They had two large groups booked in for archery on Saturday.
The couple was grateful to Kerikeri police for their quick response, and to Northland's online community for their support and helping to nab the offenders. As of yesterday all but one of the bows had been recovered.
The missing bow looks like the one in the photo but is green and designed for left-handers. It was reportedly sold from a car boot in Kerikeri on Thursday.
Anyone who has it is urged to hand it in to Kerikeri police or risk being charged with receiving stolen property. Call the station on (09) 407 9211 with any information about the burglary.
Police are also questioning a woman selling a bow on a Kerikeri Facebook page on Thursday. "Am wanting to get rid of asap," she wrote. "Selling on behalf, offrs over $80."
