Alleged car thief in Canterbury chooses wrong property to target
On Monday evening, the 27-year-old allegedly stole a vehicle – a white Nissan Presage – from Hornby, in Christchurch. The car was crashed and abandoned in West Melton just after midnight.
Over the next few hours, police allege the man "attempted to break into more vehicles and steal from several properties".
A car owner disturbed the man as he attempted to break into his vehicle in the Kingsdowne Dr area around 8am on Tuesday and called police.
'The car owner and his family were able to hold the offender until we arrived which probably prevented more crime,' Senior Sergeant Rachel Walker said.
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The man has been remanded in custody to appear in the Christchurch District Court on August 13 on dishonesty charges.
Walker is urging residents in the Willfield area in West Melton to check any CCTV from between midnight and 8am on Tuesday.
Anyone with footage or who witnessed the crash involving a Nissan Presage is asked to make a report online or call 105.
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