Horowhenua car thefts continue with many found later as burnt out shells

Oliver Parrant's dark green 1996 Mitsubishi two-door Pajero (DCL562) was stolen from Levin early Wednesday morning this week. It was found burnt out in Foxton.

More cars have been stolen in Levin, followed up by another reminder from police about the need for vehicle owners to be vigilant.

Police confirmed there had been five reports of car conversions in Levin in the last week, on October, 7, 9, 13, 14 and again early today.

But behind every report of a stolen car is an aggrieved owner, like Levin man Oliver Parrant. His 1996 Mitsubishi Pajero was stolen from Winchester St early Wednesday morning.

Parrant's car was his pride and joy. It was the first car he had bought himself, three years ago from a family friend and not long after the sudden death of his father.

Levin man Oliver Parrant's 1996 Mitsubishi Pajero had sentimental value.

At the time he knew nothing about cars, but he fiddled around with it and schooled himself up along the way. It was always a work in progress.

After buying the car he set about learning more about it. He taught himself the basics, like how to change the oil, change the tyres, change the brakes, learning more as he went.

Oliver Parrant's Mitsubishi Pajero in happier days.

Through owning the car, he had become such a regular at Repco sourcing bit and pieces, and he ended up getting a part-time job there, before taking up studies at Massey University's School of Creative Arts and Design.

Because it was a four-wheel drive, he would meet up with other like-minded car owners and head for adventures not accessible to the average car, and through these adventures he had made new friends.

His car had taken him on a journey, metaphorically and physically, and now it was gone.

"It's not always about the money," he said.

The Mitsubishi Pajero was Oliver Parrant's pride and joy.

Parrant was first notified the car had been found by Fire and Emergency New Zealand staff from Foxton the following day and that it had been found burnt out. He had reported it as stolen to police that day.

And he has done what seems to be the done thing now - post photos on social media highlighting the crime, which is followed by the usual posts of support and the denouncement of the crime.

In all likelihood, that is where the saga will end. Parrant said he was told there was very little police could do now and it was probable whoever stole his car would not be found and arrested.

Manawatu prevention manager Inspector Ross Grantham said the number of stolen vehicles in the areas fluctuates. However, there are some vehicles which are targeted at a higher percentage than others in the area.

A beaten and burnt out Holden Commodore was set alight in late June.

These were early model Mazda Demios, Nissan Sentras and Mazda Axelas.

"Police advise people to always lock their vehicles overnight, and if they can't park them in a garage or up a driveway then aim for a well-lit area," he said.

Anyone who saw anything suspicious or with any information to contact Crimestoppers on 105.