Burglars' frustrating raids on a train carriage have been an ‘‘absolute disaster'', Dunedin Railways says.
Chief executive Murray Bond says those responsible need to be ‘‘eliminated'' after attacks on the carriage on two consecutive nights have cost the company thousands of dollars.
Burglars smashed a window on the train's catering carriage when it was parked at the main platform at the Dunedin Railway Station on Monday and Tuesday nights, stealing liquor and food.
The raids came on days when the train was booked for cruise ship passengers.
‘‘We can't afford this sort of criminal behaviour at the height of the tourist season,'' Mr Bond said.
‘‘It's costing us thousands of dollars and there's lost revenue as well.‘‘It's time someone eliminated them and as quickly as possible.
‘‘We have got no tolerance for this stuff. As far as I'm concerned, these guys have got to be caught and have to be put in jail as fast as possible.''
The windows cost $2000 on each occasion to repair and in one of the raids, more than $2000 of liquor and food was taken.
‘‘These people are destroying an important part of the fabric of Dunedin and when these people are caught, they need to go to court and go to jail for a long, long time.''
Security cameras and lights had been installed to deter burglars, he said.
‘‘We are going to catch them.''Sergeant Steve Aitken said police were investigating the two raids.
He described the vandalism and thefts as ‘‘just frustrating''.
Anyone who saw any suspicious activity near the railway station should report it immediately on 111.
● Anyone with information about the raids should contact Dunedin police on 471-4800. Information can also be provided anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555-111.
