Police have arrested the owner of a van following a burglary in Christchurch that ended with a trailer detaching and the van crashing down a bank near Amberley.
Sergeant Nathan Wilson, of Canterbury Police, says the incident unfolded after a member of the public discovered a sign‑written trailer abandoned on the outskirts of Amberley.
"The caller phoned the number written on the trailer, and the owner then contacted Police," Sergeant Wilson says.
The trailer had been stolen overnight from a Cole Porter Avenue address in Mairehau, Christchurch.
Police arrived at the scene finding the van's owner back up with the trailer. A van was also found nearby, having crashed down a bank after the tow ball ripped free and remained lodged inside the trailer's coupling.
"The driver was extremely lucky to walk away from this," Sergeant Wilson says.
The van's owner was arrested at the scene. He has been charged with burglary, two counts of theft relating to petrol drive-offs and possessing drug utensils. Further charges are likely pending testing of a substance found among his belongings.
Police are also investigating other offending committed in the Mairehau area overnight.
Police encourage anyone in Cole Porter Avenue, or the wider Mairehau area, who believes they may have information regarding offending, to contact us.
"This is also a great example of the public stepping up to help us," Sergeant Wilson says. "A quick call from a member of the community helped us recover stolen property, identify the offender, and keep North Canterbury that little bit safer."
If you have information please update us online now or call 105.
Please use reference number 260220/8839.
Alternatively information can be provided anonymously to Crime Stoppers on 0800 555 111.
