Large number of stolen vehicles found in Northland

Police would like to hear from anyone who witnessed the arson of the truck on Lovatt Road. Photo / Supplied

Northland Police have discovered a large number of stolen vehicles on a Pipiwai property, after seeking witnesses for an arson attack on a truck nearby.

Kaikohe Police found 12 stolen vehicles on a property valued at about $190,000, after they responded to a truck that was engulfed in flames.

The truck's owner parked his vehicle on Lovatt Rd while he went into the bush to hunt pigs, early on Sunday morning.

As he headed back to his truck, he heard loud booming noises and realised his truck had engulfed in flames.

When Police arrived on the scene, they visited the surrounding properties to seek witnesses to the arson.

During these inquiries they came across a property about 3km along Lovatt Road and noticed a vehicle with no number plates.

They then discovered a number of stolen vehicles which included a New Holland tractor worth $70,000, five Nissan Skyline cars, a Honda Foreman quad bike, Nissan Condor flatbed truck, Yanmar digger and a Holden Rodeo 4WD.

A 23-year-old man was subsequently arrested and charged with theft.

He appeared in the Kaikohe District Court yesterday and was remanded on bail.

Police would like to hear from anyone who witnessed the arson of the truck on Lovatt Road, which they believed occurred sometime between 10.30am and 12pm.

They would also like to hear from anyone who witnessed suspicious-looking vehicles driving past on Lovatt Rd, in particular, Nissan Skylines, in the last few months.

Anyone with information can call the Kaikohe CIB on 09 405 2960 or alternatively call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.