Coltrane used on NZ wanted poster

Actor Robbie Coltrane's face is being used on a wanted poster by police trying to catch a 16-year-old burglar in New Zealand.

As law bans the publication of photos of juvenile criminals, Christchurch police are using the actor instead.

"Robbie Coltrane is not the burglar, but imagine him aged 16 with lank greasy hair and you have the picture," the poster says.

Leaflets have been distributed to homes in the areas of targeted residents.

Harry Potter

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

"This is a picture of English actor Robbie Coltrane who you may remember from the Harry Potter films or the award-winning British drama Cracker," the poster says.

"Because of the Children and Young Persons Act 1989 Police cannot show you a picture of the 16-year-old burglar operating in your neighbourhood.

"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," it adds.

A spokeswoman for the 58-year-old actor said she had no comment on the poster, as Coltrane was out of the country on holiday with his family and was unavailable.