Police search for car thief

An abandoned car which had been stolen then dumped on a Hamurana Rd farm led Rotorua police to a  search for the driver.

Rotorua police Sergeant Courtney Brunt said they were called yesterday by a resident reporting suspicious behaviour in the area.

Mr Brunt said they were led to a stolen Subaru abandoned on a Hamurana Rd farm.

However, he said police did not find the driver and were continuing their search.

When The Daily Post was at the scene yesterday, police were seen stopping cars and asking drivers if they could check inside their vehicles.

Police were also seen searching several houses along Hamurana Rd, near Marama Point Resort.

Local residents said police told them they were looking for someone who stole a car.

It is believed the search went on for about two hours in the Rotorua suburb of Hamurana, from about 12.30pm.

Police were at one house for about half an hour and several officers could be seen surrounding the house.

One officer could be seen peering through a window before they went in and searched the house.

A tow truck was also called to retrieve the car from private property.

Local residents said the action provided some entertainment for the afternoon.