Thieves steal during burglary in Uxbridge

Unknown thieves seriously disrupted what was a busy end-of-year working period at Uxbridge Arts and Culture in Howick.

In the early hours of Wednesday December 11, Uxbridge, one of East Auckland’s public arts and culture centres, was broken into, with items stolen and offices ransacked.

When the Times visited Uxbridge Arts and Culture in Uxbridge Road yesterday morning, it seemed business as usual as the cafe was doing a roaring business with all the tables and chairs occupied by happy patrons.

A little further on, Uxbridge staff were standing outside waiting for police officers to finish their crime scene investigation.

Director of Uxbridge Arts and Culture Paul Brobbel said Times the break was completely unexpected and a major upset.

He said the Uxbridge team were “working through a list of issues” in relation to the break-in to establish what was taken.

“We had a great year and were in the process of finishing up and preparing for next year’s programs. It shook us,” Brobbel said.

“We will continue to tidy up. We want to continue with the program for next year.”

Inspector Rakana Cook, from Manukau East Police, says investigations are ongoing into the break-in at Uxbridge Arts and Culture, reported just before 5am on December 11.

“We assisted and determined that a number of rooms within had been ransacked by the offender or offenders.

“There was some glass damage reported inside.

“Our inquiries are at an early stage and we are working with the location to establish what exactly was taken.

“We are asking anyone in the community who may have information to contact us.”

People with any information about the burglary of Uxbridge Arts and Culture on December 11 can contact police online or by calling 105, reference number 241211/4875.

Information can also be provided anonymously to Crime Stoppers on freephone 0800 555 111.