One of the stolen Nissan Skylines found at a rural Northland property where police believe a "chop shop" was operating. Photo / Supplied
One of the stolen Nissan Skylines found at a rural Northland property where police believe a "chop shop" was operating. Photo / Supplied
Owners of allegedly stolen vehicles found in the bush on a Northland property have been notified by police.
The vehicles, which included five Nissan Skyline cars, a digger, truck and $70,000 tractor, were found on a Lovatt Rd property, Pipiwai, on Sunday when police were investigating the arson of apig hunter's truck on the road that morning.
Police estimate the vehicles were worth about $190,000 and believe a "chop shop" was operating where stolen vehicles are dismantled and the parts are sold or used to repair other stolen vehicles.
Northland police spokeswoman Sarah Kennett said once the news was released on Wednesday about the stolen Nissan cars being recovered, there had been phone calls from a number of people asking if it was their vehicle which had been stolen.
Mrs Kennett said officers had since contacted all the owners of the recovered vehicles.
A 23-year-old man has appeared in the Kaikohe District Court on 10 charges of theft. Wayne Kaka, of Tikipunga, was remanded on bail to appear again on December 2.
Police would still like to hear from anyone with information in relation to the arson of the truck or who has seen vehicles, particularly Nissan Skylines, being driven along Lovatt Rd in the last few months.
