[CPProt.net] New Zealand: burglary of several libraries by an organised criminal enterprise

[Museum Security Network / Cultural Property Protection Net (Ton Cremers)]

 Further Operation Pukapuka arrest

Canterbury News Release 9:00am 28 April 2005
Another Christchurch man in the book trade was arrested and charged on 22
April 2005 in relation to Operation Pukapuka. The charges relate to his
alleged trade in some of the burglary proceeds, (books).

This Police operation, which began in May 2004, is investigating the
burglary of several libraries by an organised criminal enterprise around New
Zealand where rare and New Zealand books were stolen to order.

The series of burglaries which took place over a period of some 6 years
resulted in a large number of books being stolen, most of which were
on-sold. The Police recovered some 1640 books with an estimated value of
$500,000 and charged 6 local people in connection with the theft of these
books and their subsequent on-selling and related money transactions. As the
investigation progressed further stolen books were recovered and identified.

The books were sold to book dealers and collectors and through the Trademe
internet website.

Following the arrests in September 2004 the investigation has continued and
as a result of continuing enquiries, another local man in the book trade was
arrested and charged on 22 April 2005. The charges relate to his alleged
trade in some of the burglary proceeds (books). 217 books suspected of
having been stolen had previously been recovered from his possession.

A large number of the books were stolen from the Canterbury University
library and others were stolen from the libraries at Auckland University,
Waikato University, Massey University, Victoria University, Lincoln
University, Otago University, Christchurch College of Education, the
Canterbury Museum and public libraries in Christchurch, Dunedin and
Invercargill.

To date one person has been dealt with by the Courts and is currently
serving a term of imprisonment. The other members of the enterprise are
currently before the Court. 

Detective Senior Sergeant Rae said, "The enquiry has been working steadily
with a small dedicated team of investigators who are determined to identify
the origins of all the books recovered so they can be returned to their
guardians and once more be available for research and appreciation."


http://www.police.govt.nz/