An Invercargill researcher did not mind a couple of bottles of alcohol being stolen from his car but the research the thieves took was invaluable to him.
Fourth-year University of Otago medical student Stephen Potter, 21, had his car broken into on Sunday night in George St, Windsor, and a dark-green bag containing interviews on a voice recorder and surveys were stolen.
Potter suspected the thieves mistakenly took his research materials because they needed a bag to carry the liquor.
![Fourth-year University of Otago medical student Stephen Potter stands in front of his car, which was broken into on Sunday night. Important research materials were taken. Photo / Mark John](https://www.nzherald.co.nz/resizer/v2/PHTF2EDCFRBLZCD55IUXHYPDTI.png?auth=8d12488fd5e97534f6b82ea3c77a4ec32c59de2159b7a6a2b6c1bd4a5c5b5943&width=16&height=13&quality=70&smart=true)
“It seemed like they wanted the booze more and, honestly, enjoy your booze, guys, it’s fine — take the drinks. I just want my work back,” he said.