Car stolen mid-drive

Tauranga Police are investigating an aggravated robbery where a car was stolen from a Tauranga man while he was driving it and was later found burnt out on the beach at Te Puna.

The victim of the aggravated robbery was forced to jump from the moving vehicle as two alleged offenders attempted to take the car while he was driving it.

Senior Sergeant Lew Warner says one of the alleged offenders was casually known to the victim, who had picked up the alleged offenders in the Countdown car park on the corner of 13th Avenue and Cameron Road just before 1pm on Tuesday.

He says the victim was threatened by both people while driving and ended up jumping out of the car at the traffic lights on the corner of 15th Avenue and Cameron Road.

He attempted to wave down a number of vehicles without success, says Lew.

He says the alleged offenders left in the 2008 Silver Hyundai Getz vehicle at speed, heading towards Fraser Street.

The vehicle was later located burnt out on Te Puna Beach at the end of Waipa Road around 5pm.

Lew says he would like to talk to anyone who saw the activity at the traffic lights on the corner of 15th Avenue and Cameron Road.

He would also like to talk to anyone who has information about this matter or who witnessed any suspicious activity around the arson scene in Te Puna.

People with information can contact Lew at Tauranga Police Station on 5774300. 

Alternatively, information can be left anonymously via the Crimestoppers 0800 555 111 line.