Archer said one of the vehicles stolen he used for work and it had all his tools in it, while the other two were family cars, including one he had been using to teach his daughter how to drive.
John Archer woke up one night this month to discover three vehicles had been stolen from his Tauranga Bay property.
“A couple of people I sent photos to said they have seen them in the area, but I have given all the information to the police.”
He has filed an insurance claim but that only covers the work vehicle. His tools and the other two vehicles were not insured.
He said burglars had struck at the property before and wondered if the same group had targeted them again this month.
“It’s a gravel driveway and I am on the top of a hill, so I would normally see headlights or hear a vehicle coming up the driveway.
“That’s why I think they probably walked in first and had a look around. I have had other small burglaries before, where things like a chainsaw and other small things were taken. I am pretty sure all three incidents are connected and it’s the same people or their associates.”
He said the thieves came on to the property in a ute, which ended up stuck in a ditch and torched.
The burnt-out ute that was left behind after the burglary.
The community has rallied behind Arxher and started a Givealittle page to try to raise funds to help him get new tools and keep his business going.
He said he appreciates it and “anything that comes out of it is good”.
The donations have exceeded the $2500 goal set, with more than $3700 already raised.
Mid/Far North area prevention manager Senior Sergeant Clem Armstrong said police are investigating and anyone with more information is asked to update police online or call 105 using the reference number 260308/6555.
The stolen vehicles include a silver Mitsubishi Challenger registration GMN41, a white Toyota RAV4 registration BDA937 and a silver Mazda Athena registration HFJ59.
