Stolen car used in kidnapping found

A vehicle stolen after a Canterbury kidnapping has been found 120 kilometres from where it was taken.

Prominent North Canterbury businessman Andrew Cameron jumped out of a moving vehicle to escape after he was kidnapped from his home near Hanmer Springs on Monday night.

It is understood the offenders took Cameron, assaulted him and forced him to drive them in a car that was parked at his Hanmer Springs Rd home – a silver 2017 Nissan X-Trail.

Police found the SUV parked on the side of a road in Richmond, Christchurch yesterday afternoon. The car had a dent in its bonnet and some damage to the front-right guard panel.

Swanns Rd residents said they were had not noticed the car was there until police knocked on their doors about 3pm. One resident, who did not want to be named, said several stolen cars had been dumped on the street in recent years.

A police spokesman said those responsible had not yet been found. It was not known how many people were involved.

Cameron, the owner of Amuri Jet Hanmer Springs, received a ‘‘moderate head injury’’, the spokesman said. It is understood he was hit in the face with a pistol and required stitches. Cameron declined to comment. Canterbury rural area commander Inspector Peter Cooper said officers were ‘‘confident’’ the offenders had targeted the wrong address.

‘‘Most likely it’s mistaken identity.’’

He said Hanmer was a ‘‘familyorientated destination’’ not known for its home invasions.

‘‘It’s not a place where much in the way of serious crime happens.

‘‘It’s much more lower-level crime around tourists having the odd item stolen and that kind of thing.‘‘

Cooper said on Tuesday the victim had driven the SUV about 100 metres down the road from his house. It is understood he escaped from the car shortly before it crashed. Those responsible then drove the car away from the scene.

He said ‘‘several’’ shots were fired at the house, which was near Amuri Jet.

Anyone with information that could help find the offenders was asked to phone Christchurch police on (03) 363 7400 or the anonymous Crimestoppers line on 0800 555 111.

[Hanmer] is not a place where much in the way of serious crime happens. Inspector Peter Cooper Canterbury rural area commander