Man gets one back on towing yard

A disgruntled car owner who had his vehicle towed got his own back when he sneaked it from the tow yard without paying his fine.

The 28-year-old, who asked not to be named, got fed up waiting for staff at the Auckland Towing Company to take the $250 fee.

"My car was right next to the gate, fully unlocked and I literally walked in there and thought 'man it would be great to just get my car and go'," he said.

Then he noticed the gate to the yard opening as another vehicle was towed in.

"I went back outside and said 'stuff this'. I got in my car and toddled off, I just casually drove away and came back to work."

The man's car was towed nine days ago after he parked illegally at work.

Auckland Towing director Antony Ashford said people left without paying only once or twice a year.

"If they can do it, good luck if they're clever enough."

But Senior Constable Carl Bevan of the Waitemata serious crash unit said taking a car from a tow yard without paying was like shoplifting.

"It's like a driver leaving without paying for petrol."

The man's employer is believed to be dealing with the issue.