KEY POINTS:
Thieves have broken into a van and stolen hundreds of dollars - despite signage on the van showing it was involved in raising funds for children.
The robbery took place on Monday night while the van was parked outside the Howick home of Francis Jordan who is cycling from Cape Reinga to Bluff with friend Tony Curry in a bid to raise funds for Youthline.
Mr Jordan, a 43-year-old painter, said he had wanted to do something to raise awareness about suicide and youth issues since his cousin killed himself in 1994.
Mr Jordan's friend Tony Curry, a 40-year-old policeman based at Howick who deals with troubled youths on a regular basis, decided it was a worthy cause and decided to join.
By Monday the pair, who are supported by crew members in a van, had arrived in Auckland and parked the van outside Mr Jordan's home overnight. As they were preparing to leave early yesterday, they discovered they had been robbed.
"I just don't understand. The van is just full of stickers and signwriting saying what we are doing," said Mr Jordan.
The thieves took $700 from the expenses account and ripped the tops off charity buckets, stealing a cheque and some coins.
"We are spending a lot of our money and personal time [to do this] and for some little thieves to come along, it's a disgrace," said Mr Curry.
The men continue south today, stopping when they can to sell Youthline calendars and collect donations.
That money will go towards pledges of up to $10,000 that were offered in advance of the journey.
www.youthline.co.nz/content/view/473/lang, english/
