In what may be the most expensive car theft in New Zealand history, a West Auckland woman was left devastated when her $850,000 2023 Rolls-Royce Ghost was taken from her home while she was out picking up takeaways for just 20 minutes, as reported by NZ Herald.
According to a motoring magazine editor, this was a targeted heist, as there are few cars more valuable than this in New Zealand.
The homeowner told NZ Herald that her house was looted on Saturday evening, with the thieves also making off with jewellery, a massage chair, and important documents.
Security footage revealed a man and a woman arriving in a car and entering the property just minutes after the homeowner and her family left for dinner around 9 pm. The man walked to the side gate while the lights inside the house turned on. The duo proceeded to load their car with stolen items.
After rummaging through some of the loot, the woman drove their car out of the driveway so they could make their escape with the stolen Rolls-Royce.
In another incident on Tuesday morning, a Toyota Vitz was also stolen from the property.
“We needed police to [take] action quickly so they [the offenders] don’t have the courage to come back to our property,” the homeowner told NZ Herald.
While the vehicle, owned by her husband's company, was insured, the homeowner emphasised that the sense of security in her own home had been shattered.
Dean Evans, editor at Driven magazine, thought it was “a mystery why someone would steal something that is very expensive like that”, suggesting it was a planned and targeted heist.
“[Cars that expensive] often go offshore very quickly and are part of a larger syndicate,” Evans said. “[It’s] definitely not joyriders. It’s really disappointing and destructive, as cars like Rolls-Royces are often custom ordered and can take years to arrive.”
The stolen Rolls-Royce was later found abandoned four kilometres away from the house. The police confirmed its recovery and stated that it was undergoing repairs for the damage sustained.
Despite insurance coverage for the stolen items, the emotional toll on the family remains high. The homeowner, on a call with NZ Herald, expressed disappointment with the police response, noting that security cameras captured the alleged offenders' vehicle and multiple sets of keys were taken.
“Police attended the residence the following morning and conducted a forensic examination,” Detective Sergeant Ray Misilei Fa’aofo told NZ Herald. “We are currently following positive lines of inquiry to locate those responsible and the investigation remains ongoing.”
“I know this happens to other people, but when it happens to you you understand what other people go through,” the homeowner said.
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