An alleged car thief in Napier picked the wrong location to try her luck – getting arrested within 10 minutes of stealing a vehicle parked opposite the Police station.

Shortly before 10am today, a courier driver was delivering a parcel to a premises on Station Street, opposite the Napier Police Station.

Senior Sergeant Su Robinson says the driver left his vehicle running, as was his usual practice, when a woman got into the vehicle and drove off with the van loaded full of parcels.

“The driver has urgently run into the front counter of the Police Station and let front desk staff know,” she says.

“An immediate call went out to all staff on the radio with the details, and staff have sprung into action.”

Officers have made area enquiries, and located both the van and the woman on Masefield Avenue.

The 27-year-old woman was arrested, and she is due in Napier District Court on 3 July charged with unlawfully taking a motor vehicle.

Senior Sergeant Robinson says the woman will also face a burglary charge, after the arresting officer located property on her relating to a previous burglary.

“While officers were fortunate to make an incredibly quick arrest on this occasion, we’d urge anyone leaving their vehicle even for a short time to please ensure it is locked – as it only takes a second for someone to steal it.”

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