Big screen TV stolen in reverse prison break

A 50 inch plasma TV was stolen from New Plymouth Prison overnight. Photo / APN

Prison breaks usually involve inmates trying to escape, but an unusual variation last night saw thieves break into New Plymouth Prison to make off with a plasma screen television.

Police were alerted to the unconventional heist after a fire at the historic central city jail set off sprinklers about 11.50pm.

Sergeant Thomas McIntyre said firefighters arrived to find curtains inside an administration building had been deliberately set alight.

Firefighters noticed a window had been forced open and called police.

Mr McIntyre said the only thing stolen was a 50 inch plasma TV.

The thieves probably left the area on foot, taking the nearby Huatoki walkway.

"If any members of the public saw anyone carrying a big TV at that time of night, or heard or saw anything in the area of the prison, let police know," Mr McIntyre said.

New Plymouth Prison manager Peter Madsen confirmed the break-in but defended security at the prison.

"The administration building is located outside the prison's secure perimeter and security of the prison was not compromised," he said.

"There was some property damage. The building, however, is still operational."

The television had been used for staff teleconferencing, Mr Madsen said.

New Plymouth Prison is the oldest operating jail in the country, having been in continuous use since the 1860s when it was converted from an army hospital built for the Taranaki land wars.

The level of security at the prison varies from building to building, according to the Corrections Department website.

The old jailhouse is surrounded by a large stone wall topped with razor wire, while a newer unit is surrounded by a fence topped with barbed wire.

Security measures include searches, dog teams, electronic security devices, cameras and closed circuit television.

The prison accommodates 112 minimum- to high-security prisoners.

- NZPA