Man faces charges after stolen forklift leads police on chase
Thursday 1 October 2026 · 3 outlets · 5 reports · updated 
A 39-year-old man is facing multiple charges after allegedly stealing a forklift from a Wiri commercial yard early Thursday morning. After smashing through gates, the man led police on a chase through Weymouth. He is due to appear in Manukau District Court on five charges.
Key facts
3 facts
- A 39-year-old man faces five charges including burglary and driving with excess breath alcohol
- The incident occurred around 5am at a commercial yard in Wiri
- The chase ended on Hazards Rd in Weymouth after police spiked the forklift tyres
The full story
1 min read · 3 outlets
A 39-year-old man is facing multiple charges after allegedly stealing a forklift and leading police on a chase through South Auckland. The incident began around 5am at a commercial yard in Wiri when workers saw a man enter a truck through an open gate. After being confronted by a staff member, the man reportedly jumped from the truck onto a nearby forklift and smashed through the yard's closed gates to escape.
The forklift was tracked by the Police Eagle helicopter as it travelled down Roscommon Rd towards Weymouth. Police successfully used spikes on the rear tyres of the vehicle. The forklift continued for a short distance after being spiked before coming to a stop on Hazards Rd.
The driver attempted to flee on foot but surrendered quickly when police arrived and was taken into custody. He is charged with burglary, unlawful taking of a motor vehicle, failing to stop, driving while disqualified, and driving with excess breath alcohol. The man was scheduled to appear in the Manukau District Court on the day of the reports.
Senior Sergeant Clint McCarthy described the incident as reckless behaviour, stating, “It’s a miracle no one was hurt, this was reckless behaviour and this man will now face the consequences of his actions in court”.
Compiled from reports by NZ Herald, Stuff and 1News.