A 29-year-old male has been arrested following the theft and subsequent crashing of a vehicle from the rural area yesterday afternoon.

At about 5:00 pm yesterday a Nissan Nivara utility was stolen from the vicinity of the Humpty Doo shopping Centre. An hour later the vehicle was seen doing burn-outs on a privately owned rural block near Sattler Airstrip. The vehicle sped away when occupants approached the driver. As the vehicle was speeding away it appears the driver has lost control, subsequently crashing into trees.

Nearby residents and passing motorists held the driver at the scene until Police and fire officers arrived a short time later.

The 29-year-old man has been charged with unlawful use of a motor vehicle, driving whilst disqualified, driving without due care and high range drink driving (with a result of 0.208%)

It appears the theft of the vehicle was a crime of opportunity as the vehicle was left unlocked in a public car park with the keys still inside.

This incident should serve as a timely reminder not to leave keys or valuable items in vehicles, even if only stopping quickly at your local store. It takes less than 30 seconds for a vehicle or valuable items to be stolen if left unlocked and unattended.



Media Contact:
Amy Sloan
8985 8838