'Prolific' thieves prompt warning

Thursday, 12 June 2008

Gisborneherald

TE NUPEPA O TE TAIRAWHITI

Gisborne police are urging moteliers and central city retailers to be wary of a group of transsexuals believed to be prolific burglars.

Detective Senior Sergeant Craig Scott said about four or five people, believed to be transsexuals, had committed multiple crimes in the central city.

He appeals to retailers to exercise extra caution when the group enter a shop, describing the group as prolific.

"They are well known to police," he said.

"They go into shops and immediately spread out and overwhelm staff."

Members of the group also tried to create diversions with staff members while others pocketed goods in the shop, he said.

Some members of the group are understood to already be facing charges for shoplifting.

Police said the group would steal "anything" but items such as perfume and underwear were of particular note.

"Ninety-nine percent of Gisborne retailers already know these people. We just really want to remind them that this group are again very active," said Mr Scott.

The group are believed to have also targeted motels in recent weeks.

Mr Scott suggested retailers and moteliers should check their security footage if they are unsure if they have had anything stolen by the group.