Police seek glass artwork stolen in New Zealand burglary

Police in New Zealand are asking the public to help find a distinctive artwork stolen during a burglary in west Auckland earlier this month.

The Waitematā West Tactical Crime Unit is investigating a break-in that occurred in the Piha area on December 6, police said in a news release.

Detective Sergeant Anna Freestone said scrap metal and tools were taken during the burglary, along with an artwork titled Infinite Sea.

“The round artwork is made up of glass, a mirror, LED lighting and PVC,” Freestone said. “It’s a distinctive piece of art and we’re asking anyone in the public who has information on its whereabouts to get in touch.”

Police did not name the artist, specified where the artwork was taken from or provide an estimated value for the piece. But authorities said the artwork may have since been offered for sale or advertised.

The theft has been amplified by Art Recovery International, a private art-recovery and investigations firm that tracks and aids in recovering stolen and missing art.

In a post on social media, the group made a tongue-in-cheek reference to the artwork’s mirror and lighting elements, writing: “Check your hotel bathrooms? (Sorry, couldn’t resist).”

Follow along with other art crime stories at Urgent Matter’s art crime tracker.