Selwyn Police say quick action and help from the public prevented Christmas deliveries from being lost after a courier van was stolen last week.
The van, which was full of parcels intended for Christmas delivery, was reported stolen on Friday 19 December. Soon after, Police received multiple calls from members of the public reporting three suspicious men carrying courier packages in the Birdlings Flat area.
Officers responded immediately and spotted a vehicle leaving the area, which later attempted to hide on a rural roadside.
Further information from the public helped Police locate the vehicle a short time later, although the three men had already fled on foot.
The Police Delta unit was called in and, with assistance from a local farmer and specialist technology, the trio were tracked down nearby and arrested.
The men have been charged with theft and unlawfully taking a motor vehicle. They are scheduled to appear in the Christchurch District Court on Tuesday 23 December.
Police say the majority of the stolen packages were recovered and returned to the courier company so they can still be delivered in time for Christmas.
