Police want their battery charger back

Taupo police fear that they have been caught out by an act of kindness to a stranded member of the public.

They are appealing for the return of a $1000 battery charger they lent to a driver two weeks ago.

Sergeant James McGrogan said today that it appeared that the motorist had repaid the act of kindness by taking off with the charger.

The events occurred late on June 30. A father and daughter came into the police station to say the daughter's car had a flat battery and would be parked outside Taupo's Superloo overnight.

They were concerned about the car's safety so had decided to informed police about the vehicle.

Police staff kindly offered the use of a portable battery charger, which the daughter took out to the car.

Police were unable to assist personally, as they were busy with priority matters, Mr McGrogan said.

Police noticed that the car was gone shortly afterward but the charger was not returned.

They are now appealing for its return as it is leased by police from an Auckland company. The Electra start charger is described as 1m high, heavy and red.

- NZPA