Bay of Plenty Man and Cat Inside as Alleged Thief Drives Off in Campervan

A Bay of Plenty man received the shock of his life on Wednesday night after his campervan was allegedly stolen while he and his cat were asleep inside.

The incident unfolded about 8.50pm near Seaview Road, where the camper had been parked near the Whakatāne Heads.

According to Police, a person unlawfully entered the vehicle and attempted to drive away, apparently unaware the camper was occupied.

The man, who was asleep in the rear sleeper section with his cat, woke to movement in the front of the vehicle and confronted the alleged thief, telling them to get out.

Instead, the driver allegedly ignored him and continued driving east toward Ōhope.

The victim immediately called the police, remaining on the phone with emergency services as officers tracked the moving camper.

Acting Eastern Bay of Plenty Area Commander Inspector Phil Gillbanks said the situation was treated as a high-risk incident, with officers prioritising the safety of the man trapped inside.

“Our main concern was the welfare of the person in the back, and in cases like this, planning is everything,” Gillbanks said.

Police units monitored the camper from a distance as it travelled along Wainui Road.

Police believe the vehicle eventually stopped due to a mechanical issue caused by the driver’s reckless driving.

Throughout the pursuit, the Police call taker stayed on the line with the victim, helping him remain calm and advising him on the safest place to position himself inside the moving vehicle.

“He didn’t have a seatbelt, so the call taker worked with him to find the most stable place to keep him safe,” Gillbanks said.

“In this case, that meant he sat on the bed and held onto the sink. It’s not ideal, but it was the least worst choice available.”

The camper eventually came to a stop near the State Highway 2 roundabout shortly before 9.10pm, where officers arrested the driver.

The man and his cat were both unharmed.

A 28-year-old woman from Whakatāne has been charged with failing to stop and unlawfully taking a motor vehicle.

She appeared in the Whakatāne District Court on May 7 and was remanded in custody until her next appearance on June 10.

Police are reminding motorists to ensure vehicles are secured at all times, even when occupied.

Gillbanks also praised the victim for staying composed during the ordeal.

“Waking up to find your camper moving would be unsettling to say the least,” he said.