A Whakatāne woman has been arrested after she allegedly stole a camper vehicle while the owner and his cat were still asleep inside.
The Incident
The event began around 8:50 p.m. On Wednesday near Seaview Rd in Whakatāne. According to police, an individual entered a parked camper and drove away, unaware that the owner was sleeping in the rear of the vehicle.
Upon waking to the movement, the man confronted the intruder and demanded they get out. Instead, the alleged offender continued driving toward Ōhope with the man and his cat still on board. The victim immediately contacted police as the situation unfolded.
Police Response and Safety Measures
Acting Eastern Bay of Plenty area commander Inspector Phil Gillbanks described the event as a “dangerous situation” that required a “considered plan.” He emphasized that the primary focus for officers was the welfare of the passenger in the back.
“Our main concern was the welfare of the person in the back, and in cases like this, planning is everything,” Gillbanks said. “His wellbeing would have been front and centre of our officers’ minds as they looked at how to safely stop the vehicle.”
Because the man did not have a seatbelt, a police call taker coordinated with him to find the safest possible position within the vehicle. Gillbanks noted, “In this case, that meant he sat on the bed and held onto the sink.”
The ordeal ended at approximately 9:10 p.m. When the camper came to a stop on Wainui Rd, just before the State Highway 2 roundabout. Police believe the vehicle stopped due to a mechanical issue. Both the man and his cat were unharmed.
Significance and Security Warnings
Inspector Gillbanks praised the “great teamwork” between the victim and police staff, stating that “everyone was working together to bring this to a safe conclusion.” He specifically acknowledged the victim for “keeping a cool head” during an unsettling experience.
Following the incident, Gillbanks urged the public to ensure their vehicles are fully secure, “regardless of whether you’re staying in it or not.”
Legal Proceedings
A 28-year-old Whakatāne woman has been charged with unlawfully taking a motor vehicle and failing to stop. She appeared in Whakatāne District Court on Thursday, where she was remanded in custody.
As a result of the court’s decision, the defendant is scheduled to reappear on June 10. Legal proceedings may continue to determine the final outcome of these charges.
