Brazen inconsiderate thieves have seriously disrupted what was a busy finish-to-the-year work period at Uxbridge Arts and Culture in Howick.
In the early hours of Wednesday morning, December 11, Uxbridge, one of east Auckland’s treasured public arts and culture centres, was broken into, with items stolen and office desks ransacked.
When the Times visited Uxbridge Arts and Culture in Uxbridge Road yesterday morning, it looked like it was business as usual, as the café was doing a roaring trade with all tables and chairs occupied by happy dining patrons.
A little further on, Uxbridge staff were standing outside awaiting police officers to finish conducting their investigation of the crime scene.
Uxbridge Arts and Culture director Paul Brobbel told the Times the break-in was completely unexpected and a major disturbance.
He said the Uxbridge team was “working on a list of issues” in relation to the burglary ascertaining what had been taken.
“We’ve had a wonderful year and were in the process of wrapping up and preparing for next year’s programmes. It has rocked us,” Brobbel said.
“We’ll continue tidying it up. We want to get on with the programme for next year.”
Inspector Rakana Cook, of Counties Manukau East Police, says investigations are ongoing of the burglary at Uxbridge Arts and Culture, reported just before 5am on December 11.
“We attended and established a number of rooms inside have been rummaged through by the offender, or offenders.
“There has been some damage to glass reported inside.
“Our enquiries are in the early stages, and we’re working with the venue to establish what exactly has been taken.
“We ask anyone in the community that might have information to get in touch with us.”
People with any information about the burglary of Uxbridge Arts and Culture on December 11 can contact police online or by calling 105, reference number 241211/4875.
Information can also be provided anonymously via Crime Stoppers on free phone 0800 555 111.
