Reunited with stolen caravan
A Kapiti family have been reunited with their caravan, three days after it was stolen from their driveway in broad daylight.
Police returned the caravan to Toni Strand and her family in Otaihanga, Paraparaumu, on Tuesday morning.
It was found in Porirua, having been taken during the early afternoon on Friday.
The caravan had been in Strand’s family since her father, Keith Nuthall, bought it in 1978, and she called it his ‘‘pride and joy’’.
Strand said her family was delighted to have the caravan back, and thanked the community for their support.
‘‘Even the small amount of damage cannot keep the smiles off of our face.
‘‘I feel very relieved and lucky that it was recovered so quickly with minimal damage.’’
Senior Sergeant James McKay said the caravan was found after police received information from the public.
Inquiries were continuing to establish who was responsible for taking it.
The Anglo Capri caravan was taken while Strand’s neighbours were home, and wedding preparations were going on at the nearby Otaihanga Boating Club.
‘‘They had the gall to drive on to our property, uncover the caravan, hook it up and then drive over a concrete verge, across our lawn and out our driveway,’’ Strand said on Monday.
She said it felt like a link to her late parents had been lost.
‘‘Not only do I feel that I was robbed of my parents far too early, but now their caravan has also been stolen,’’ she said.
‘‘Because I’ve lost my parents it’s a real reminder of them. Whenever I use it it gives me a great sense of satisfaction. I know my dad would love that.’’
On Monday, police said a silver stationwagon was seen leaving the scene with the caravan in tow.