Mount man saw stolen Mini drive away

The owner of a retro red Mini similar to the one pictured is appealing to anyone who might recognise it to come forward, after it was stolen right under this nose. Photo/Facebook

A retro 1979 Mini was stolen from right under the owner's nose at his work early yesterday afternoon.

John Thwaites was at work on Newton St in Mount Maunganui when he heard the distinguished sound of his Mini's engine.

"It was parked in our work staff car park in the driveway and one of the other guys and I were out the back talking and we heard it start up." said Mr Thwaites.

He didn't think anything of it as "one of the boys" from work would usually take it for a spin.

"I asked if they new who took it and he said, 'No,' and then I thought, uh oh, it's been pinched and I knew straight away then," he said.

Mr Thwaites then walked out onto Newton St and spotted his red Mini heading towards the Hewletts St roundabout, saying the vehicle was almost side swiped by an oncoming truck.

Mr Thwaites has owned the Mini for eight years and was "brassed off" when he realised someone had wondered down the Blackwoods Protector driveway and helped themselves to his vehicle.

He said he used his Mini as a runabout car and is hoping to one day pass it on to one of his grandchildren.

He hoped someone could spot or identify his Mini and to contact police of its whereabouts.

"There's not a lot of them around and they're getting less and less on the road. I just hope somebody lets the police know." said Mr Thwaites.