Police in New Zealand hunting a prolific burglar have issued a wanted poster bearing a photograph of the British actor Robbie Coltrane.
Although the photograph of Coltrane has the word “wanted” above it and “active burglar in this neighbourhood”, officers stressed that the actor was not accused of committing any crime.
The suspected burglar is a 16-year-old, but because New Zealand law bans the publication of photographs of juvenile suspected criminals, police in Christchurch decided to use Coltrane’s face instead.
Idiots!
Well, on the bright side, they could as easily have used JCD’s photo.
He does look just like a 16 year old.
Did anyone else enjoy Robbie’s program about traveling from London to Glasgow a while ago?
Stupid law.
Perhaps the PM of New Zealand would’ve been a better choice?
I fail to see why they are idiots. Public humiliation is a great tool to encourage (or coerce) someone who is obviously well known to the local police away from the track that they are currently on. Everyone will realise who this person is and will treat him accordingly.
I think that the police have found a back door route to alerting the local residents who they obviously feel need to be wary of this particular youth. Such a shame that I can predict that they will get slapped for attempting this though.
I see no difference in using this photo without authorization and the photos that appear here on this website quite often that are not authorized by the copyright owner.
Idiots? I think it is brilliant. They can’t show a 16 year on a photo? Who’s brilliant idea was that?
He can drink more than the combined population of the north island. And he thinks the All Blacks are a bunch of cricketers.
He’s definitely a wanted man in Kiwi land.
This is just so wrong in so many ways.
Maybe they want him to play Beorn in the Hobbit movie.
Lawsuit?
I surmise that the young burglar must bear some resemblance to the actor — poor kid, no wonder he has resorted to a life of crime!
I think it’s an ingenious idea. In fact, there’s a business model in here somewhere — if you can’t publish a photo of the actual suspect, let us find the actor or celebrity who most closely resembles them! Brilliant! A whole new revenue stream for actors and their agents! (For of course they would have to pay royalties.)
Smart move: Gets attention where there would otherwise be none.
Much like using the word “Idiots” to attempt to spike the posts in a thread.
English actor!
That’s just about the worst insult imaginable for a Scotsman!
Coltrane will ‘murdder’ them!
Wanted: Police Sketch Artist!
This is a picture of Rob Coltrane, who we hear is a great artist. If you are a great sketch artist, or know of one, please come to the station and draw us a picture of a man’s head.
(serious inquiries only)