A man has claimed he was “unaware” the car he was driving had been stolen – despite the car having to be started using a screwdriver.
The stolen vehicle was allegedly a loan car from a mechanics that had not been returned.
Counties Manukau Central area commander, Inspector Adam Pyne said officers were alerted to the car travelling through Manurewa just before 9am yesterday.
The vehicle was spotted being driven along Porchester Rd, and signalled for the driver to stop.
“The driver has pulled over and claimed he was unaware the vehicle had been stolen – despite having to start the car with a screwdriver,” said Pyne.
“Upon further investigation it appears the offender had re-registered it.”
Inquiries remained ongoing.
Police in Manurewa were kept busy with a second incident in the area just 20 minutes later, in which another stolen vehicle was spotted.
A 32-year-old man was swifted taken into custody and charged with unlawfully getting into a motor vehicle.