Tsunami thief's identity known to police

A security camera shot the woman accused of stealing a collection box for tsunami victims in Orewa.

Police say they know the identity of a woman caught on camera stealing donations intended for tsunami victims.

The woman was seen taking the container with $200 to $250 inside from the counter of a Mad Butcher outlet in Orewa, north of Auckland.

A similar theft was reported at a Mad Butcher store in Christchurch on Wednesday, prompting condemnation from chain owner Peter Leitch. He said the company would make up the money and the response to the public appeal had been fantastic.

"It's just sad that there is the odd mongrel out there who would do this."

The woman in Orewa entered the busy shop on New Year's Eve and wandered around until a queue cleared before approaching the counter and asking about the price of a whole pig.

When the worker went away to find the manager, the woman removed the donation jar and left the shop.

Owner Brett Lovett handed over a security photograph to police yesterday.

Inspector Les Paterson of the North Shore police said two officers had been assigned to the case. Inquiries were continuing.

"I think [the theft] has been seen generally as quite repugnant to the average New Zealander."

The Christchurch theft followed a similar pattern, when a cash-laden box was taken from the counter of the Mad Butcher's Riccarton branch.

Store owner David Livesley estimated there was at least $200 in the box after a week of donations.

"The people of Riccarton have given up their hard-earned cash to support the damn thing and some low life comes along and pinches it."