Cricket memorabilia taken, lesson learnt

Former New Zealand cricketer Bryan Young has learnt a hard lesson about what can happen to valuables left in view in parked vehicles.

Sometime overnight on Saturday October 13 or early morning Sunday October 14, his Subaru which was parked near Ascot Road on Remuera Road was broken into and, among the items stolen, were unique pieces of cricket memorabilia.

These included his official, personal NZ Cricket Black Cap which is presented to players by NZ Cricket at the end of their careers. It was in a timber box with a gold plaque on the lid and was engraved with 'B.A Young'.

There are two caps inside - one is ceremonial with the silver fern on the front and Bryan's personal number, 187, embroidered on the back. The cap below it is the cap Bryan wore during his cricket careers and it has the silver fern on the front and the nickname "BAZ" written in pen on the inside.

Other items taken include the iconic NZ cricket book 'The Immortals' valued at more than $500, an Ellesse Chronograph men's watch worth more than $300, two cufflink cases (one black, the other silver) with six sets of cufflinks inside, including a pair of black onyx rectangular ones with gold trim that belonged to his grandfather.

The items may have been transported from the scene in a purple suitcase with handle and wheels that was taken from the car.

"I've learned my lesson the hard way about leaving valuables in the car," Bryan says.

"I left my bag on the front seat in plain view and it's been stolen. I am absolutely gutted about the theft of my caps, particularly the original one that has sentimental value and is irreplaceable."

If anyone has any information that may lead to the recovery of the cap and other property, please contact Sgt Grant Harris at the Glen Innes Police on 09 524 1961 or e-mail grant.harris@police.govt.nz Anonymous callers can contact Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.