Offender caught on security cameras admits burglaries
A burglar caught on a household security camera ‘‘scoping’’ a Christchurch property has admitted nine offences.
Amanda Cherie Cook, 44, unemployed, said she was not in her ‘‘right mind’’ at the time.
In the Christchurch District Court yesterday she admitted two charges of being unlawfully in a yard, burglary, receiving stolen property, four thefts (including petrol drive-offs) and a bail breach.
About 11.30am on May 31, Cook entered a house in Waipara St, Cracroft. She opened the gates, walked up the drive and unsuccessfully tried the door handles. Her visit was captured on the house’s security cameras.
About 1pm, she went into the backyard of a Somerville Cres, Aidanfield house. Her visit was again captured on the household’s security camera.
Later that day, the house was burgled. Electronic items, credit cards, $4000 cash, makeup and jewellery was taken. Some of the items were recovered. Cook was charged with receiving stolen property from that burglary.
On June 2 Cook returned to the Aidanfield house. Again, her visit was recorded on their camera.
She forced open a garage side door, searched the house and took a bolt-action rifle with a scope, two laptops, jewellery and clothing. The property was valued at more than $8000. Some of the property, including the rifle scope, was later found at Cook’s home, although the rifle has not been found.
Cook initially denied committing the offences, but later conceded she might have as she was not in her right mind.
Judge Tom Gilbert remanded her on bail for sentencing on November 16 and referred the case for a possible restorative justice meeting between Cook and her victims.
Police sought reparations and want to confiscate Cook’s car as it was used for the offending.