A 1990s Ford Falcon ablaze in Romahapa Rd near Puerua on April 6 was notified to police by the person who took this photo, who did not wish to be named.
‘‘I was just heading out around lunchtime and there it was.
‘‘I shot home to dial 111 then took the photo when I went back out.
‘‘It was quite different then.
‘‘When I first saw it all the paint and glass was intact like it hadn’t long been lit up,’’ he said.
Emergency services arrived and police quickly notified the owner who, unaware he had been burgled, then checked his Southland property and supplied police with a list of stolen items including a trailer and jet ski.
By the time acting Sergeant Sam Morris, of Balclutha, was contacted by the Clutha Leader on April 11, investigations had already led to an arrest and court appearance for a Dunedin man.
REPORT: NICK BROOK/PHOTO: SUPPLIED
