Burglar sought after dead man's ashes stolen

A burglar suspected of stealing the ashes of a woman's dead father and attempting to blackmail her for their return was still on the run today.

Police warned that 29-year-old Douglas Morris was dangerous and should not be approached.

They believe Morris broke into the woman's Mt Maunganui home a week ago, stealing cash, jewellery, computer equipment and an urn containing her father's ashes.

He loaded the goods into the woman's late model B200 Mercedes Benz, and drove away.

The woman started getting text messages from a man on Tuesday demanding a cash ransom for the safe return of the urn and car.

The messages asked the woman to the man at Papamoa to exchange the cash for the keys to the car and the urn.

Police set up an undercover operation but the man rumbled the trap and took off in an older model Mitsubishi car.

Police found the urn in the boot of the dumped Mitsubishi and later recovered the Mercedes.

They said the woman was "extremely relieved" to get back the ashes.

Police described Morris as a 29-year-old Maori of medium to solid build.

They said he may be driving an older shape 1985 gold Holden Commodore, registration AHN439 but could have exchanged that another stolen vehicle.

They said he should not be approached and anyone spotting him should call police.

- NZPA