Henderson Valley burglary attempt foiled after stolen ute gets stuck in mud

A would-be burglar’s escape from a West Auckland farm was foiled after the ute he tried to steal became bogged down in the mud.

Acting Waitematā West Area Prevention Manager Acting Inspector Nick Salter said police were called to a reported burglary in Henderson Valley around 3.15pm on Wednesday.

The 40-year-old man had allegedly tried to steal items from a shed on the property before attempting to flee in the ute.

Salter said the man abandoned the ute and fled on foot to a neighbouring property, where he attempted to steal another vehicle.

“Workers challenged the man, and he was ultimately unsuccessful at stealing a van and quad bike, making off on foot with various tools.”

Police were called to the scene, where a dog was able to quickly follow the man’s scent.

“Police tracked the man to an address, where he was taken into custody, muddy and saturated.”

He is due to appear in the Waitākere District Court today.