Petrol-soaked man charged with theft

An apparent attempt to steal petrol from a car at a beachfront Napier carpark left a 37-year-old man doused in fuel and under arrest.

Police said the Napier man had no alternative but to confess to trying to steal petrol after the incident on Wednesday.

Police were called about 1.45pm by a member of the public who spotted a man scrambling underneath a car parked near the saltwater pools at the northern end of Marine Parade.

A patrol was quickly in the area and spotted the man at work.

Napier police acting senior sergeant Graham Single said the man had attempted to get petrol directly from the tank, but only succeeded in having it pour out over him.

He was charged with theft.

- HAWKE'S BAY TODAY