Christchurch petrol thief jailed for 18 months
Wednesday 9 September 2026 · 2 outlets · 2 reports · updated In this story Z Energy
Harley Arps, 37, has been sentenced to 18 months in prison following 23 petrol drive-off theft charges. Police described the man as a prolific thief who used stolen number plates to fund a drug habit. The judge noted the offending was persistent and premeditated.
Key facts
4 facts
- Harley Arps sentenced to 18 months imprisonment
- 23 theft charges relating to petrol drive-offs
- Total value of stolen fuel exceeded $5,200
- Offending occurred in Christchurch, Waimakariri, and Selwyn
The full story
1 min read · 2 outlets
Harley Arps, 37, has been sentenced to 18 months in prison for a series of petrol drive-offs and possessing stolen number plates. The Christchurch District Court heard that Arps pleaded guilty to 23 theft charges involving fuel valued at more than $5,200. He also faced charges for possessing a utensil used for methamphetamine.
The offending occurred over a two-month period involving stations across Christchurch, Waimakariri, and Selwyn. Many of the thefts took place in Addington, where five incidents occurred. Ten of the charges involved Z Energy stations at various locations, including Hornby, Russley, and Belfast.
Judge Paul Kellar noted that the theft and possession of stolen plates went "hand-in-hand". The court heard that Arps' drug addiction was the root of his offending. His lawyer, Jacob Poff, stated that Arps "needs money to buy drugs".
This is Arps' second period of imprisonment in 12 months for similar offences. While the judge granted credit for prompt guilty pleas, he noted a significant history of dishonesty. No order for reparations was made because Arps still owes significant reparations from previous offending.
Where reports differ
- One report describes the offending as 'persistent, premeditated and unsophisticated' while another describes the thief as 'prolific'
Compiled from reports by NZ Herald and The Press.