Good Samaritans who helped to a man dressed as a woman had their kindness repaid with being robbed.
A man in women's clothes knocked on the door of an elderly man's house and asked to borrow the phone around 2pm yesterday.
Senior Sergeant Mick Lander said the man let him use his phone but noticed his wallet was missing after the cross-dresser had left.
Shortly afterwards, the man waved down a car and the woman driver gave him a ride.
She saw him bend down in the back seat then noticed her handbag missing after the man had got out of the car.
Mr Lander said it was a sad day when God-fearing members of the public provided assistance to parasites who preyed on the good nature of these people.
"While I do not want to discourage members of the public to provide assistance when asked, please ensure that you keep your wits about you, as sadly there are these people in society.''
A 26-year-old man was to appear in Gisborne District Court today charged with theft and burglary.
