An owner of a $90,000 Rolex stolen during an Auckland burglary has been successfully reunited with his timepiece following a five-month international search conducted by a North Shore frontline station officer, according to police’s One Ten Magazine.
Recovery of the Stolen Rolex and Police Investigation
The high-value timepiece was initially recovered in late 2023 when police raided the home of a prolific burglar. North Shore frontline station officer Lisa Clark stumbled upon the high-end timepiece while inspecting items stored in the police exhibits facility, prompting her to locate its true owner. Unable to find any details recorded in burglary reports, Clark spent months reaching out to Rolex dealers, service centres, and retailers across New Zealand, Australia, and Hong Kong. Describing the difficulty of the process, Clark noted, “Everywhere I went, doors kept getting shut in my face.” Despite the obstacles, she added, “I couldn’t let it go. I knew there was someone out there who deserved to have this watch back, so I just kept following every lead I could.” After five months of investigation, Clark successfully traced the watch to Matt Kim, who was living in Australia.
Impact on the Family and Return of Valuables
The Rolex was originally one of Kim’s first gifts to his wife. Having their North Shore household targeted by thieves in August 2023 severely traumatized Kim’s relatives, leading directly to their decision to emigrate from New Zealand. Upon receiving the news that his watch had been found, Kim stated that he would “get on a plane right now and come and get it.” Along with the watch, several designer bags and a diamond ring belonging to his wife were also recovered and returned. Clark recalled that Kim cried when he arrived to collect the stolen items, stating, “You could feel that emotion and relief. Three years after the burglary, they never thought they’d see any of it again.” After returning to Sydney, Kim sent a message to Clark expressing profound gratitude: “What you have done for us means so much more than I can explain. My family and I will never forget you and what you did for us. You really are our hero.” Detective Sergeant Beth Bates praised the officer’s actions, stating, “Lisa’s perseverance, initiative and commitment to doing the right thing resulted in a fantastic outcome for this family.” Bates added that Clark “went above and beyond to track down the rightful owner, and her determination is a great example of the lengths our people will go to support victims and make a difference.”
Potential Future Outcomes and Departmental Next Steps
Keep reading