Cat burglar gets away with a paw-fect crime

Malcolm Wells with his cat Jimmy. Photo / Doug Sherring

A prolific cat burglar who has been targeting his neighbours for the past four years has ramped up his activities - and police are powerless to stop him.

In the past week alone, he has stolen more than 40 items from people living in and around his Snells Beach street, near Warkworth, north of Auckland.

And in true Slinky Malinki style, Jimmy the cat is showing no sign of stopping.

Jimmy's owner, Malcolm Wells, said the mischievous moggy had been bringing him home "presents" for four years.

At one stage, he had a full washing line of Jimmy's loot.

Last week alone, his spoils included 31 flannels, five socks, underpants, a pair of children's pants and two hand towels.

"He usually brings them all into the lounge but, last week, he left a trail of stuff outside the house - there was stuff everywhere," Wells said.

Jimmy's last haul was so impressive the local constabulary have stepped in.

Senior Sergeant Hamish Buick said Wells had called in Neighbourhood Watch to help return the "stolen" items.

"But I don't think a cat can be culpable. Anyone under the age of 13 cannot be charged and he is only 5," he said.