An 18-year-old unemployed man is in police custody for the unlawful use of a motor vehicle and will appear at the Rakiraki Magistrate Court today.

The accused is alleged to have stolen a government vehicle last Friday.

Police say the vehicle was left running by the driver as he got out to close a gate when it is alleged the accused who was under the influence of alcohol jumped in and drove towards Rakiraki Town.

Information was received on his whereabouts whereby officers pursued the accused to Wairuku where the vehicle was involved in an accident after hitting an electrical post.

He tried to run from authorities but was quickly apprehended by Agriculture Officers who were at the scene and handed him over to Police.

The second incident occurred a few hours later at a Rental Company in Rakiraki Town.

It was after 10.00pm when the suspect allegedly approached a staff of the rental car company who was on his way home.

After persuading the staff to give him a car, the employee left the vehicle with its engine running to get a few papers for the suspect to sign.

While inside the office, the suspect allegedly drove away with the victim’s black Prado which was found half an hour later at Navunibitu, Ra.

Divisional Police Commander West ASSP Abdul Khan while applauding the efforts by the agriculture officers in apprehending the 18-year-old suspect, stressed that people continue to be negligent in securing their properties.

Police investigations continue.