Ute stolen while owner feeds animals

A Toyota Landcruiser utility and a kelpie on the vehicle were stolen from a Jindivick roadside last week while the owner was in a paddock feeding animals.

Recovery of the vehicle at a Narracan property six days later followed the arrest of a 31year-old Newborough man for a number of offences including drug and firearm charges.

The utility was stolen at 12.25pm on Sunday, October 18 in Mason Rd.

Police said the owner parked his 2016 Toyota Landcruiser utility on the roadside while he fed animals in an adjacent paddock.

The Landcruiser contained a chainsaw, fencing gear, tools and ammunition.

The man’s kelpie was in a dog box but was recovered a short time later.

Police said a dark blue Ford Falcon sedan possibly a BA model was seen when the vehicle was stolen.

Both vehicles were later seen in Allambee Estate Rd, Allambee where the Ford was dumped. The Ford was displaying false registration plates.

At 4pm on Saturday, police received a triple zero call to a bush block at Narracan where there had been reports of a car revving and possible shots being fired.

Police attended at the McDonalds Trk property and located a 31-year-old Newborough man with his two children.

A stolen Browning Centre Fire Rifle was located loaded in a vehicle. Police also seized a quantity of tablets believed to be illicit drugs and ammunition.

A search of the property located the stolen Toyota Landcruiser utility bogged.

The male was arrested, charged and remanded in custody to appear at Latrobe Valley Magistrates’ Court at a later date.