Police say they’re investigating the latest burglary of a popular east Auckland restaurant but they’ve declined to explain what actions they’re taking to prevent such incidents from occurring.
As the Times reported earlier this week, thieves smashed their way into Bucklands Beach eatery Zabr’one overnight on Tuesday, emptying the establishment on The Parade of alcohol worth an estimated $20,000-$30,000.
The business’s front door was badly damaged and several windows were smashed during the break-in.
“Hello everyone, we are saddened to say that we were broken into throughout the night and are currently trying to get organised to open soon,” the restaurant posted on Facebook.
“Please stay vigilant in the local area, and keep an eye out to keep the area safe.”
Multiple people expressed anger at the culprits on the post, including long-time Bucklands Beach local ‘The Mad Butcher’, Sir Peter Leitch.
“That’s terrible,” he wrote. “So disappointing to read that. You don’t deserve that.
“I hope they catch the buggers.”
Zabr’one manager Rahul Ganjoo said he was “more than angry” at the break-in and he had to get people in to provide an estimate to repair the damage.
“Last week we had a break-in at our little café and this time, this week, it’s here.
“I don’t know what’s happening. [They stole] all the liquor, broke a window, and took the till.”
He estimated the value of the items stolen from the restaurant to be about $20,000 to $30,000.
It isn’t the first time the restaurant has been targeted by criminals.
Zabr’one and the nearby Books N Bricks Café, which has the same owners, were broken into on July 26 last year.
A large glass panel in a door at Zabr’one was smashed, leaving shards of broken glass on the ground outside and inside the restaurant.
Glass in the front door at Books N Bricks Cafe in Hattaway Avenue was smashed also, with part of the glass pane left lying on the footpath.
Cash was taken from one of the businesses while alcohol was stolen from the other.
The Times contacted police for comment following the recent burglary at Zabr’one.
A police spokesperson says investigations are under way.
“Between 9pm and 8am [on May 6-7] it appears a person has smashed the front door to gain access to a commercial premises.
“A number of items were taken before the person has left the scene.
“Anyone with information that may assist is asked to contact police via our 105 phone service or online at https://www.police.govt.nz/use-105, using Update My Report.
“Please reference job number P058657413.
Information can also be provided anonymously via Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.”
However, the Times also told police the restaurant had been broken into multiple times and asked what police are doing to prevent such incidents.
That question was not responded to.
