Looters raid burnt-down supermarket

Firemen say looters have been sneaking into a charred Northland supermarket and stealing smoke-damaged food.

Fire safety officer Craig Bain said it was "only by the grace of God" they hadn't fallen through the damaged mezzanine floor during the raids.

Three young men were seen running from the back of the Kaikohe New World supermarket with food under their arms on Wednesday, the day after the 1000sq m building was gutted by fire.

However, a firefighter snapped the trio with a camera and passed the photos to police.

A 100 per cent stock loss was recorded at the supermarket following Tuesday's blaze. The smoke-damaged food is considered a health hazard.

Roller doors at the back of the building have been found open on several occasions and it is believed the looters stole dairy products -- less damaged than the charred produce in the main building.

New World owner Bernie McGinty was gobsmacked.

"Goodness me, I wouldn't eat anything out of here. That's just a real negative when people stoop to that level," he said.

- NORTHERN ADVOCATE (WHANGAREI)