Gate closed on mystery theft
Wilkins was apprehensive about hanging the gate at the entrance again, but without it the driveway to Strathspey ‘looks a bit naked’.
Gates don’t typically go on adventures. They open and close, and that’s it. But try telling that to David Wilkins.
Swiped off its hinges at the entrance to Strathspey Farm, near Feilding, last month, his solid totara gate has now found its way home after being spotted more than 60 kilometres away in Mangaweka, with a fresh coat of paint, adorning another person’s driveway.
A member of the public recognised the gate from a social media post about the theft, and alerted Taihape police.
After contacting Wilkins to confirm the gate was his, police executed a search warrant and retrieved it.
Wilkins was delighted to have the gate back.
It had been at the entrance to the family farm for four generations and held significant sentimental value.
He had worried the gate would have been damaged during its removal because it had been hanging on reserve hinges.
‘‘I had written it off really, so to get it back is a fantastic result.’’
The gate had been modified slightly, receiving a grey paint job, but he would be returning it to its traditional white before it was again hinged in its rightful place.
Wilkins is apprehensive about hanging the gate at the entrance again, but without it the driveway to Strathspey ‘‘looks a bit naked’’.
He is planning to install a security system to prevent future thefts, but is frustrated that such measures may be necessary.
If it wasn’t for attention the missing gate received on social media, he is sure it would not have been found.
‘‘All the coverage had a great outcome.’’
It’s not yet known how the gate heist was carried out or if police charges have been laid.