Kidnap case strengthens Chinese ties with police

The relationship between police and Auckland's Chinese community has strengthened considerably since Howick woman Qing (Kelly) Zhao's abduction, says the man heading the inquiry.

Acting Detective Senior Sergeant Neil Grimstone said last night that people were helping in several ways.

"We certainly have got people out there in the field for us in the Chinese community.

"We still haven't had the call we have been waiting for, but I think it will happen eventually ... Somebody will dob him in," he said, referring to one of the suspects, 28-year-old Xiang Quan Chen.

Police have released a photograph of Chen, whom they describe as "a desperate and dangerous individual" who should not be approached.

Mr Grimstone said he was confident Chen was still in New Zealand, but was not sure if he was still in the Auckland area.

David Wong Hop, former vice-president of the Auckland Ethnic Council, said theories on who was behind Mrs Zhao's kidnapping ranged from Asian gangs to young men caught in a robbery-gone-wrong.

His contacts in the Chinese community favoured the bungled burglary option. But the kidnapping had still left the community feeling "bewildered and slightly frightened".

Mr Grimstone said he was keeping an open mind on all possible explanations.

The managing editor of the East Tamaki-based Chinese Express, Jennifer Yau, said community members she was in touch with felt confidence in police efforts, though information was scarce.