Police investigating Auckland swimmer's death ask for residents' security footage

Leslie Gelberger died while swimming at Narrowneck in April. Photo / Supplied

Police investigating the death of an Auckland swimmer are understood to be analysing video footage from security cameras put up by residents at a Devonport beach.

North Shore man and Westlake Girls High teacher Leslie Gelberger was out for his regular swim at Narrow Neck Beach on April 20 when it is thought he was struck by a boat.

His body was found the next day, missing a leg.

Now it is thought officers working on the investigation, which remains ongoing, are going through footage taken from residential security cameras posted at Cheltenham Beach, off Matai Road, Devonport.

Local newspaper The Devonport Flagstaff reported today that residents had been asked by police to hand over footage from their security cameras, which are attached to a fence that shares a boundary with the beach.

A police spokeswoman told the Herald they were unable to comment further on the investigation, only that it was ongoing and no charges have been laid at this stage.

Authorities earlier made a public appeal for anyone who may have seen Gelberger that morning, including two men fishing from a dinghy off Takapuna Head.

It is thought Gelberger, a father of two young boys, began his swim route from Narrow Neck Beach about 10am that Thursday.

It is then believed he swam across Cheltenham Beach, towards North Head, with the intention of finishing at Devonport.

Police believe he was struck by a vessel, possibly a Ports of Auckland pilot boat, at some point while swimming towards North Head.

The security cameras have caused controversy, with some beachgoers who feel they are a breach of privacy.

They do not, however, breach any privacy rights, the Auckland Council says.

North Shore councillor Chris Darby said: "I understand that the cameras may be disconcerting or alarming for people in the area, especially if they are not aware that the cameras are there.

"The advice I have received is that there is nothing preventing an individual from taking a photo or video in a public place.''

Do you know anything that may help police? Contact Auckland City Police: (09) 302 6406.