John Tulloch with his returned car, after it was stolen while he went for his morning swim on Monday. PHOTO/GIANINA SCHWANECKE
GIANINA SCHWANECKE
[email protected]
A Masterton man was left waiting in his speedos after his car was stolen while going for his morning swim at the Trust House Recreation Centre on Monday.
John Tulloch had gone for a swim at about 6am but when he came out to the changing room, his bag was gone, and with it his 2019 Volkswagen Tiguan.
“It was a bit embarrassing because I was in my speedos,” he said.
It is understood the car thief took the bag – which also contained his clothes, wallet, and keys – from the changing room and then stole the car.
The car was later found on Monday night at the corner of Selina Sutherland Drive and Te Ore Ore Rd.
He said it was “disappointing”, but understood these things happened from time to time and was glad no one was hurt.
The theft had also caused more disruptions because he had organised for locks to be changed and cards to be cancelled.
“It takes time to get going again and it’s very time consuming,” he said.
“I spent most of [Monday] trying to track and cancel things.”
The one transaction the car thief made was the purchase of a $4.50 pie which was found half eaten in the car when it was recovered – which shows that crime doesn’t pay.
Wairarapa Police response manager Senior Sergeant Jen Hansen said a forensic examination had been undertaken and inquiries were ongoing.
“The car was locked and undamaged but [Tulloch’s] bag and car key remains outstanding and some items foreign to the vehicle were left behind.”
No arrests have been made.
Anyone with information can contact Crime Stoppers on 0800 555 111, or Masterton Police on 06 370 0300.
