Social media plea returns stolen van to Hastings owner in less than 24 hours

Novia Bliss was reunited with her stolen van due to the power of social media. Photo Paul Taylor

Thanks to the "power of social media", a stolen van was returned to its owner in less than 24 hours.

Hastings woman Novia Bliss said her white van was stolen from her property on Fernhill Rd during the night last Monday. She had owned it since 2014, and used it as her main business vehicle to deliver fruit around the region.

"I always use that van for the Sunday markets, and take it around Hawke's Bay, Taranaki, Rotorua. Me and the van, its like my life," she said.

With help from her best friend Andre Jarden, Mrs Bliss reported the theft to police on Tuesday. But she took matters into her own hands, by posting information about her vehicle on Facebook, and issuing a plea for people to get in touch if they saw it.

"I thought, we can't just wait for the police because we don't know if they'll find it," she said.

Her social media appeal worked - on Wednesday members of the public found the van on a Havelock North residential street.

"I was so surprised, it was no more than 24 hours," Mrs Bliss said. "It was amazing, I said, 'oh my god, this is the power of social media'."

She said she had been very thankful to the women who found the van, Mihipeka and Materina Duncan. Neither could be reached yesterday.

The van had some minor damage, and its battery and a mirror were removed. However the engine still worked, so she had been able to carry out her business last week.

Her appeal also led to Central Locksmith Hastings providing a new key for free.

Yesterday a police spokeswoman said the van had been examined by police, but they could not take the investigation further as no forensic evidence had been found.

Mrs Bliss said she wanted to remind people to be aware of their cars - even if, like her, they thought keeping vehicles inside their property would ensure their safety.

"You just don't know when, or where it could happen."

Police said the best place to leave a car overnight was in a locked garage, or off the road in a carport.

"If you must keep your car parked on the road ensure it is a well-lit area and always make sure it is locked", a spokeswoman said.

She added anti-theft devices - like steering wheel locks, or alarms - also worked to protect vehicles by slowing down, or stopping thieves.

"The more time a criminal spends attempting to steal a vehicle increases the likelihood of discovery and apprehension".