Tourists undone by theft in Dunedin

Rather than being a highlight, a stroll along Victory beach looking at the Peninsula's wildlife turned out to be a disenchanting experience for a German and two Spanish tourists.

Simon Heidemann (20) of Osnabrueck, Germany, Vanessa Orensanz-Casanova (26) and Cristina Jimenez-Alfonso (24), both of Barcelona, Spain, left their van parked in the Dick Rd car park at noon yesterday.

But when they returned to the vehicle at 1.30pm, they discovered their van was open and many of their possessions were missing.

Mr Heidemann said his passport, credit cards, $80 cash and some travel documentation had been taken and the women each had a laptop taken. A backpack was also missing.

"I'm still a little shocked and disappointed," Mr Heidemann said.

"New Zealand has such a good reputation for being a safe place. But I guess you get stupid people anywhere in the world - including Dunedin."

He was upset because he would not be able to continue with his planned trip to Malaysia next week, and instead would have to return to Germany.

Mr Heidemann said his travel companions were also upset because all of the photographs from their travels so far were on the stolen laptops.

Senior Constable Lox Kellas,of Portobello, is investigating the incident and asked anyone who had noticed any suspicious vehicles on Dick Rd or Sheppard Rd between noon and 1.30pm yesterday to contact Portobello police.

- john.lewis@odt.co.nz

 

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