Waiting for justice: Halcyon Saxby

Halcyon Saxby: Lives in Mt Albert with husband Tim and their son.

Crime: Home burgled in broad daylight through bathroom window. Jewellery, a valuable coin collection, alcohol, amplifiers and a guitar (later found dumped in the garden) were stolen.

Facts: Neighbour noticed an unfamiliar man acting suspiciously, noted his car registration and gave police a good description.

Complaint lodged: February 2, 2006, at 6.20pm.

Police response: Call made to the Saxbys at 9.48am on Friday to arrange for collection of evidence including fingerprints. Saxbys requested that it be before 4pm that day as they were going away for the weekend. They heard nothing further until Wednesday Feb 8 - too late for fingerprints.

Follow-up: Two weeks later, the file was assigned to an investigator, though police note difficulties in witnesses filing reports. It took two weeks to receive a photo of the suspect from the relevant police unit. Seven weeks later, police advised further action will be taken.

What they want: A police visit within 24 hours of the complaint. Immediate action if leads as to alleged offender given. Follow-up calls, not necessarily from sworn officers.

"We get pamphlets in the mail saying you should call police if you ever see anything suspicious, but the actual fact is they don't really want to know.

"I don't blame police. I think they're just hamstrung with all the paperwork. We were told there were 60 files backed up [in the Avondale burglary squad] - and those were the ones where they had identifications. They often don't even answer the phone at Avondale station."

- HERALD ON SUNDAY