A 31-year-old man has been charged after stealing a car with a border collie inside – taking the vehicle and dog at "dangerously high speeds" across multiple Auckland suburbs.
Police were called to Lincoln St in Ponsonby after a dog walker's vehicle was stolen – with Otis the border collie – around 1pm today.
Auckland City East Area response manager Senior Sergeant Tony Ngau Chun said the vehicle was initially observed travelling in Onehunga.
"Spikes were deployed, but the driver increased his speed and continued northbound.
"Cameras monitored the vehicle as it was driven dangerously at high speeds and overtook other vehicles," he said.
The vehicle was tracked to Mt Wellington, where a officers signalled for the driver to stop, but he failed to comply and police did not pursue the vehicle.
Members of the public who witnessed the dangerous driving told police about where the vehicle was heading.
The vehicle was found at a nearby property, where a cordon was set up and an offender located.
"Despite an outfit change, the man was confirmed to be the driver, and he was arrested," Ngau Chun said.
A 31-year-old man was charged with unlawfully taking a motor vehicle, driving a motor vehicle in a dangerous manner, failing to stop, and driving while disqualified.
He would appear in Auckland District Court today.
Otis was safe and well after his journey, and was reunited with his relieved and happy dog walker.
"The driver put himself and the public at serious risk with his driving, and it was incredibly fortunate this did not end in tragedy," Ngau Chun said.
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