Coltrane used in NZ 'wanted' poster

Wanted posters have gone up in New Zealand with a picture of Harry Potter star Robbie Coltrane.

Police have used his face because he looks very similar to a teenager who is suspected of committing a string of burglaries.

Under local laws, they're not allowed to display a picture of the 16-year-old because he is underage.

Copies of the poster have been distributed to homes in the area, where police said residents have been targeted by the bike-riding teenager.

Below the heading 'Wanted' is the picture of Coltrane, underneath which are the words 'Active burglar in this neighbourhood'.

The text below explains that the photo is of Coltrane and continues: "Robbie Coltrane is not the burglar but imagine him aged 16 with lank greasy hair and you have the picture.

"He is 16-years-old, lives locally, travels by bicycle and burgles houses in your street.

"He will break windows to gain entry and ransack the property targeting electronic items, cash and jewellery."

Residents reportedly welcomed the leaflets and praised the ingenuity of the police.

Coltrane was unavailable for comment.

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