Radio host stunned by brazen thief

Kerre McIvor's Grey Lynn house was robbed last Sunday. Photo / Michael Craig

Bold burglars are sneaking through windows left open by Aucklanders seeking relief from the hot summer - even when people are still inside.

Among the latest victims is broadcaster and Herald on Sunday columnist Kerre McIvor, whose Grey Lynn house was robbed last Sunday.

She or her husband were home all day, but someone snuck in through a bedroom window.

"I had the window wide open because it was so hot," she said.

"She must have known someone was here because she didn't ransack the drawers or anything, she just scooped up what she could find in the bedroom."

The burglar took an iPad, a wallet containing some cash, sunglasses, McIvor's antique pearl earrings and an antique Japanese box that had been a wedding present.

"I just feel stupid," McIvor said. "My husband has told me to keep the windows shut but I've had them open because it has been so hot.

"I thought we'd be fine during the day."

Police have recovered some of McIvor's items and a woman appeared in court on Wednesday charged with several burglaries.

Community services manager Inspector Glyn Rowland warned people to be aware of the risk they took leaving doors and windows open.

"There is an increase in opportunity for these crimes to take place at this time of year.

"So this is a timely reminder that there are steps the public can take to keep their homes and possessions safe."

Auckland District Commander Superintendent Richard Chambers said there were 14 "unsecure dwelling burglaries" in the city between December and January, up from six in the same period last year.