The getaway driver made a dash on the forklift through the yard and smashed through the gates, which had now been closed, to escape.
“Luckily he has not hit any workers who were in the yard at the time.”
The forklift in question was later seen stopped near a driveway with damage to its tyres. Photo / Supplied
He continued down Roscommon Rd in the forklift.
The police Eagle helicopter monitored the driver as he headed to Weymouth.
“Units have successfully spiked the rear tyres, which was no easy task,” McCarthy said.
“The forklift managed to travel a short distance further before coming to a stop on Hazards Rd.”
The driver then attempted to run off but surrendered quickly once units arrived and was taken into custody.
“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,” McCarthy said.
A 39-year-old man will appear in the Manukau District Court today charged with burglary, unlawful taking of a motor vehicle, failing to stop, driving while disqualified and driving with excess breath alcohol.
‘What a racket’
A resident who filmed the incident told the Herald it woke her and her husband up.
“What a racket, plus the helicopter was out too.
“We do get a few strange things happening on the street and in the area. This was probably the most entertaining for a while.”
She said the forklift eventually came to a stop near a driveway and later spotted a tow truck picking it up just after 8am.