A Napier antique shop was burglarized between Christmas Day and Boxing Day, resulting in a loss of $50,000 worth of silver jewellery. The owner of Napier Antiques, Raewyn Dailey, attributes the theft, in part, to the increased value of silver.
Rising Silver Prices and Retail Crime
The stolen jewellery was sourced internationally and will be difficult to replace, according to Dailey. She stated, “We’ve put so much effort into getting our stock, and we can’t just up and travel overseas and buy it again easily.” Spot prices for silver have more than doubled since December of last year.
Dailey also noted a significant increase in retail crime in Napier over the past four years, saying, “The crime is just terrible, and it’s getting worse and worse, and no matter what we do security-wise, nothing seems to quite cut it any more.”
The burglary comes at a particularly challenging time for the business, following disruptions caused by the pandemic and Cyclone Gabrielle, which led to the cancellation of the Art Deco Festival in recent years. Dailey previously told RNZ about the impact of these events on local businesses.
Police are currently investigating the break-in and report they are following “positive lines of enquiry.”
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the value of the stolen jewellery?
The thieves stole $50,000 worth of silver jewellery from Napier Antiques.
When did the burglary occur?
The burglary took place overnight between Christmas Day and Boxing Day.
Has the Napier Art Deco Festival been affected by disruptions in recent years?
Yes, the festival was cancelled over multiple years due to disruptions from the pandemic and Cyclone Gabrielle.
How might businesses in Napier adapt to increasing rates of retail crime and economic uncertainty?
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