Ulrich Heck.

Theft a ‘low blow’ for butcher

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A Nelson butcher who has battled through the Canterbury earthquakes, the 2011 floods and a major fire six months ago, has now been the victim of a burglary.

Ulrich Heck owns German Gourmet Butchery in the Wakatu Estate and has just opened his doors again after re-building his butchery from a major fire. Before that, it was the flood that destroyed numerous businesses in Stoke and Richmond. Before that his store was ruined by the Canterbury earthquakes.

On Monday morning, Ulrich discovered that his butchery had been robbed of thousands of dollars worth of Christmas hams and salamis. He says the thieves would have needed a truck because the 1400kg worth of meat wouldn’t have fitted in a car. “I’m stunned, shocked, I can’t believe it. I’m pissed off, I’m really pissed off. But anyway, I must just cope.”

Police say the incident could have occurred any time between Friday night and Monday morning.

Sergeant Craig Barker, of the Tactical Crime Unit, there were about 30 large Christmas hams, several hundred salamis and a large quantity of steak. Some of the salamis had distinctive Christmas-themed wrappers.

Craig says they’re hoping the community tries to help find the offender.

“I’m hoping that someone with a conscience will be offered a cheap ham or salami and put two and two together. This really is a low blow,” he says.

Ulrich says he can’t believe his own rotten luck and says a Lotto jackpot wouldn’t go amiss. “I think I have deserved it.”

Police would like to speak to anyone who has been offered meat or smallgoods for sale and anyone who has information that may assist in identifying the offenders.

Anyone with information should call Nelson Police on 546 3840. Anonymous information can be given to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.