Stolen truck containing $300k of cosmetics recovered

A stolen truck which had been transporting $300,000 worth of cosmetics has been found by a member of the public in Hutt Valley.

The white Isuzu was parked on Redvers Drive in Belmont, Lower Hutt yesterday and was discovered missing by its owner Graham Smith this morning.

It was carrying his entire stock, plus equipment to set up a shop.

A man who heard about the theft from the media, spotted the truck just after 3pm in Thomas Street, Stokes Valley, police said. Police have since secured the truck.

It was unknown how many, if any, of the cosmetics were stolen as police were waiting for Mr Smith to arrive.

Police will have the truck forensically examined to locate any evidence that may identify the offender.

The truck had been filled with top brand perfumes and makeup, including Revlon, Dolce & Gabbana and Hugo Boss.

Mr Smith said he would be keeping an eye on auction websites and second hand stores for any of the products.

Earlier today, police warned people to be wary of quality makeup being offered at prices that sounded too good to be true.

It was likely to be a "targeted theft", said Senior Sergeant Marc Clausen of Lower Hutt police.

"We very rarely have trucks stolen."

The offenders would have checked out the contents of the truck before stealing it, he believed.

They would probably try to get rid of the goods cheaply, he said.

"How they'll sell it, I don't know."

The truck also contained equipment for the shop including alarm systems, 40 trestle tables and eftpos machines.