Cafe loses $6000 in thefts

The co-owner of a Kerikeri cafe says he feels violated after more than $6000 worth of furniture and plants have been taken.

Denis Callesen of The Rusty Tractor says in the 18 months he has owned the business, it has been stolen from three times.

The items taken include $1000 worth of hanging baskets, a distinctive $4500 teak outdoor dining table, and flowers that were dug up and taken.

An ‘‘expensive umbrella’’ and even the blackboard displayed along Kerikeri Rd have been taken during the day.

Callesen says the 12-seater outdoor dining table, taken in February, would have required at least three to four people to lift it, given how heavy it is.

The accompanying bench seats were also taken.

‘‘Someone has to have seen it, the table is very distinctive, we haven’t found a replacement.’’

Callesen says he feels violated.

‘‘With a small business like a cafe and a low profit margin...you have to make a profit of around ten times the value of the item, to pay the insurance excess.

‘‘At some point in time, you have got to say enough is enough, but we aren’t there yet.’’

Callesen says the hanging baskets are now brought inside every night to prevent the replacements being taken.

Any information about the thefts can be reported to Kerikeri Police on 09 407 9211.

The Rusty Tractor co-owner Denis Callesen says the business has had three thefts in the past 18 months, totalling around $6000.