Sergeant Craig Vining, District Deployment Coordinator:

Hawkes Bay Police are appealing for information regarding the theft of little blue penguins in Napier.

Three penguins were removed from their nests in Perfume Point, Hardinge Road, Ahuriri, around 10:30pm on Thursday 24 January 2019.

One was killed in the process and the body left on the beach.

Two groups of people were possibly involved in the thefts, including two older males and an older female, along with several teenagers.

The woman was described as having a large build and long hair.

One of the teenagers was also described as large, wearing a white t-shirt.

The group are thought to be of Pacific Island descent.

The offenders used a torch and a fishing style gaff (hook on one end) to extract the penguins from their nests.

The stolen penguins were wrapped in towels and the group left the area in a white, older style 4-door car in fairly rough condition.

Some of the group may have fished in the area before, or have ties to Ahuriri.

If you have any information regarding this incident please contact Napier Police on 06-831 0700.

Alternatively, call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 111 555.

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