Crucial keys inside stolen Christchurch water repair ute

Earthquake damage today in Christchurch. Photo / Herald on Sunday

A vehicle used by workers to repair Christchurch's damaged water system has been stolen, along with a vital set of keys that was inside it, police say.

The Clemence Water Wells dark grey Nissan Navara ute, registration DDW275, was stolen about 5.15am from the company's office in Kaiapoi and has since been spotted in the Yaldhurst/Russley Rd area of Christchurch, Detective Sergeant Rex Barnett said.

The ute bore the company's logo.

A number of keys inside the vehicle were needed for maintenance staff to work on the vital water supplies for Christchurch, Hurunui and Waimakariri, Mr Barnett said.

Replacing the keys would cost a significant amount of money.

"I would like to appeal directly to those who have this vehicle to find some way of getting these keys back, anonymously or otherwise. The water system is in a fragile enough state as it is, with the community heavily reliant on its ongoing maintenance so hopefully whoever has the keys has some conscience and will find a way to return them."

Anyone who knew where the vehicle or keys were, was asked to contact Christchurch police.

- NZPA