Locksmith sentenced for burglary

In "a moment of weakness" Tauranga locksmith Stephen Walter Kopae let himself into another person's home using the tools of his trade.

In the darkness, the 51-year-old slipped undetected into the hallway -- not expecting anyone else to visit the small unit where he had previously carried out work for the owner.

But a 17-year-old and her 23-year-old boyfriend arrived to feed a cat while the owner was away during Easter weekend last year, and Kopae was discovered.

As he tried to leave, he told the young couple he had made a mistake and was in the wrong house.

But a fight broke out between the two men and Kopae was punched in the face before he ran off.

He has now been sentenced in Tauranga District Court to 300 hours' community service after pleading guilty to one charge of burglary and one of assault.

Speaking from his home this week, Kopae said he regretted his actions, was selling his business and getting out of the locksmith trade.

"I deeply regret and wish to sincerely apologise for making such a mistake and causing my family and others unnecessary anguish," he said.

Kopae said he regretted bringing the locksmith trade into disrepute.

"I feel I have let them all down really. All those years of working and then suddenly it's all out the window."

The incident has drawn a warning from Bay of Plenty locksmith, Tony Zanden.

After 27 years in the trade, he said locksmithing was completely unregulated and anyone could set up business. "Making sure you use a qualified reputable and honest locksmith is important for your safety and peace of mind."

Mr Zanden advised when choosing a locksmith to seek one with membership of a recognised industry association in New Zealand.

There are three associations - Master Locksmiths Association of Australasia, New Zealand Locksmiths Association and Australia and New Zealand Locksmiths Association.

- BAY OF PLENTY TIMES