‘They were just amazing’: Burgled pensioners overwhelmed by kindness of local café

Tuesday, 25 March 2025

A group of senior citizens on a road trip to Christchurch’s New Brighton were upset after their mini van was broken into in broad daylight.

Dune Café made their day by shouted out lunch to all 19 members of the group, leaving them feel overwhelmed with kindness.

They were very concerned and caring, a member said.

A group of senior citizens visiting Christchurch beachside suburb were left feeling distressed after their mini van was broken into in broad daylight.

The thieves allegedly took bags, car keys, phones and other personal belongings after breaking into their van parked on Marine Parade in New Brighton on Tuesday morning.

But a local café made their day by shouting lunch to the group of 19, leaving them feeling overwhelmed with kindness.

Group member Christine, who didn’t want to give her last name, said the group was having a chat with the ranger at the New Brighton sand dunes when the incident came to light.

“One of the gentlemen [from the group] went to the toilet and realised a window had been broken in the van. I think five handbags have been stolen.”

“It’s pretty distressing for some of the ladies because they had cash in there. Some of them had their car keys and stuff.”

The group had already booked Dune Café for lunch.

After they had lunch and went to pay, the café staff said they’re shouting all 19 of us, she said.

“We didn't expect to have such kind treatment from those people. They were just amazing. They checked up on us and made sure we were all right.”

The group’s spokesperson Marilyn McKinlay said the café was very concerned and caring.

“They were just amazing.”

Christine’s daughter-in-law Sarah Van Den Kley said the generosity shown by the café gave them a bit more hope in humanity.

“It was obviously a pretty distressing incident for a lot of them. When something nasty like that happens, it's nice to have your faith in humanity restored by somebody in the community, just by doing something really nice for no reason other than that they just want to help.”

A police spokesperson said they received a report of a theft from a vehicle on Marine Parade at around 11.50am on Tuesday morning.

“The file is currently at the case assessment stage, which will determine what action can or will be taken,’ the spokesperson said.

Dune Café has been contacted by Stuff for comment.