Source: New Zealand Police
Attribute to Acting Detective Senior Sergeant Phil Sayers, Hawke’s Bay CIB:
Police have arrested and charged a man following fuel theft from a rural property in Puketapu yesterday.
Around 2.20am, Wednesday morning, Police were called to an orchard on Dartmoor Road after the property owner witnessed, through their live CCTV footage, a man allegedly stealing fuel.
The man allegedly accessed a fuel tank on the property and stole approximately 200 litres of fuel, before fleeing the scene in a vehicle.
Police conducted enquiries, including reviewing the CCTV footage, and were able to identify the vehicles registration number – despite an alleged attempt to obscure it.
The vehicle was located yesterday afternoon, and Police recovered approximately 60 litres of stolen fuel.
A 52-year-old man was arrested as a result and is due in Napier District Court today. He is facing charges of burglary, unlawfully possessing ammunition, and possession of cannabis.
Police acknowledge and commend all those involved in the investigation, including the assistance from the victim and members of the community who provided information – the swift actions, from the time of reporting onwards, were crucial in being able to hold this alleged offender to account.
Anyone who witnesses suspicious or criminal activity happening now is urged to report it immediately by phoning 111.
Non-urgent information can be reported through 105, either online or over the phone, or anonymously through Crime Stoppers on 0800 555 111.
Police prevention advice around fuel theft can be found here: https://www.police.govt.nz/advice-services/personal-community-safety/fuel-shortage-and-crime-prevention.
ENDS
Issued by Police Media Centre
Original source: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/07/16/arrest-following-fuel-theft-puketapu/