An apparent thief may need to work on his driving after allegedly crashing three vehicles in the space of a short time early today.
Police in Blenheim said that at about 12.20am an offender got into a car parked in a driveway, which had the keys in it.
"Unfortunately he drove it into the house," a spokesperson said. Having woken the occupant, he then ran off.
Shortly afterwards, a person believed to be the same offender got into a ute nearby which also had the keys in it.
The spokesperson continued: "The offender has again attempted to steal this vehicle, only to crash into a letterbox opposite the address. He has again run off."
His luck was no better on the third occasion, when a truck was stolen and driven through a locked gate.
"The vehicle was driven at speed up Taylor Pass Road where it has crashed twice, the second time down an eight metre bank," police said.
The alleged offender was under observation in hospital for "minor to moderate" injuries.
Police said a 23-year-old man had been charged with breach of bail and other charges were likely.
- NZPA
