Burgled 10 times in 10 years

Danilo David is sick of crime. Photo / Doug Sherring

He came to New Zealand to escape the crime in his homeland - but businessman Danilo David has been burgled 10 times in as many years since arriving from Brazil.

The owner of Auckland clothing company TK Store has had his car broken into twice and his home four times.

His shop in Ponsonby has also been targeted four times, most recently last Sunday in what is thought to be a ram raid.

"Because of the size of the damage this time, I think a car has gone through," he said.

"Pretty much everything hanging on the racks was taken, about 250 pieces.

"Enough is enough. I left Brazil because of the corruption and I have come to the crime."

David said the stolen clothing was worth $70,000, but damage and other costs meant the final bill would be higher.

"My insurance company has said it will cancel my policy, if I do not put bars on my windows and bollards outside. It will cover what has been stolen, but it won't pay for that. I have to lock myself in even more."

David already has five external security cameras and a monitored alarm. He is considering hiring a fulltime guard and hopes other retailers will help cover the cost.

He said criminals in New Zealand had no respect for police, the law, or other people.

"I think the Government should empower police more. What can a normal person do to stop this if the police can't? I can see the moment when the public will cry for revenge and take action with their own hands."

Auckland police have scheduled a meeting with David to advise him how to reduce crime at his business.

Senior Sergeant Mike MacDonald said it was "unfortunate" David had been a victim so many times.

"Auckland is a major metropolitan city and with that comes several consequences, not all of them positive.

"Opportunist burglars and thieves target popular items and goods of value which they know they can on-sell because - unfortunately - there are people in the community who are prepared to receive stolen goods and, by doing so, perpetuate the cycle of crime."

Auckland Central MP Nikki Kaye has also been in contact with David and will meet him in the next couple of weeks.

Police Minister Judith Collins said what David had been through was "completely unacceptable".

"People deserve to feel safe on the streets and in their homes. This victim is, sadly, not alone.

"Many New Zealanders feel that criminals have gained the upper hand in our community during the past decade or so," she said.

Despite his experiences David has no plans to leave.

"Everyone I tell about it is really shocked, especially in Brazil. The image they have of New Zealand is that it's absolutely safe. But when I tell them what's happened to me they cannot believe it."