Sail Inn Snack Bar pick-up results in vehicle stolen after victim leaves engine running

Police say a group of teenage boys stole a car after its owner left the engine running while picking up a fish and chip order, with the vehicle later discovered on fire in Utakarra.

Police allege around 3pm, a woman entered the Sail Inn Snack Bar on Marine Terrace to collect her order and left her engine running.

Geraldton Police officer in charge Sen. Sgt Chris Martin said while the woman was inside the store, four juveniles allegedly jumped in the vehicle — a Nissan Navarro —and stole it.

“They appeared to drive it around for a number of hours,” he said.

“It was later recovered on fire.”

Sen. Sgt Martin said the vehicle was found ablaze about 11.30pm on Abraham Street in Utakarra.

“The police were active and looking for the vehicle, and upon the report of the vehicle being located, police attended and apprehended four juveniles who were found to be in possession of the vehicle,” he said.

Four boys, aged between 13 and 15, were arrested and charged with stealing a motor vehicle and criminal damage by fire.

They were bailed and are due to face Geraldton Children’s Court on November 1.