A man involved in a $30,000 burglary which targeted a surf shop told police he agreed to be involved because he was jealous his friend always had nicer things than him.
Gareth John Hancock, 33, was sentenced yesterday after admitting his part in the burglary of the Backdoor Surf Shop in Napier.
His co-offender in the burglary, Chase Hartley, 20, was sentenced last Friday.
A summary of facts stated Hartley, Hancock and a third offender decided to break into the surf shop about 10pm on April 23 of this year after Hartley stated he knew the store did not have an alarm.
After entering through an insecure rolling door, the trio stole $30,739.60 worth of goods, including clothes, shoes and a safe with cash inside.
Hancock, Hartley and the third offender transferred boxes of stock from the store to a studio down the road that was occupied by Hancock.
An hour after they arrived in the store, the alarm went off.
The police arrived as they were carrying the last boxes to the studio.
Over the next few days, the trio set out trying to sell and swap the stolen items and trying to crack the safe.
On July 8, a search of Hartley's house turned up clothing from the burglary valued at $1500 while a search in August of Hancock's house turned up four stolen items.
A Ruger M77 rifle was also located behind the washing machine.
Hartley told police his family and friends had bought him the clothes.
Hancock admitted his role in the break-in as outlined by the police and said he did it because he wanted money.
He also said he was jealous that Hartley always seemed to have nice things.
In court yesterday, Hancock was sentenced on charges of burglary and possession of a firearm.
He was ordered to pay $6699 worth of reparation and sentenced to six months' community detention.
He was also sentenced to nine months' supervision and ordered to complete 150 hours' community work.
Hartley was sentenced to two years and five months' imprisonment for his role in the burglary and other unrelated offences.