Job loss led to life of crime

Photo / Doug Sherring

A former estate agent charged with two jewellery snatch-and-runs in Auckland said the desperation of losing his job led him to crime.

Dhilanika Rangana Ekanayake, who also goes by the name Richard, acknowledged the thefts when approached by the Herald on Sunday. "It's totally out of my character. I'm taking time to correct myself. I'm regretting most of the things I've done. I've got kids and stuff."

Ekanayake allegedly stole a $9800 white gold diamond ring from Jems, an upmarket jeweller in Remuera, and $3900 worth of gold bangles from Gold Mine in Papatoetoe.

Jems owner John Lee said well-spoken Ekanayake did not seem like "your typical robber".

He visited the store, boasting of a trust fund and saying he was buying for his girlfriend. On the day of the robbery, Ekanayake returned to the shop asking to see the ring again.

When Lee reached down to pick up the valuation report, Ekanayake bolted. "I thought 'you little bastard, I'm not letting you get away'," Lee said.

The chase led them through Remuera village, and continued after Lee was struck by a BMW reversing out of a driveway.

"My adrenaline was pumping. It was just like in the movies," he said.

Police were on the scene by the time Lee hobbled back to the store and the ring was retrieved from a pawn shop in Avondale.

A week before, Ekanayake allegedly stole $3900 worth of gold bangles from Gold Mine in Papatoetoe.

Ekanayake entered no plea when he appeared at Auckland District Court this week on two charges of theft and will reappear on June 13.