The driver of the stolen bright blue van has been leading police on a Goodbye Pork Pie-like chase around Southland for the past three days.
Creation Signs manager Riki Shuttleworth was feeling frustrated watching one of the company vehicles being caught up with the crime spree as he believed police could be doing more to stop the driver.
"It’s ridiculous. I can’t get my head around how he’s been allowed to keep driving for the last three days.
"The police seem inadequate to stop it [the van]," he said.
The van was stolen from an Invercargill South City location while a staff member was on scaffolding directly above the van.
The keys had been left in the ignition.
"[The thief] walked along, jumped in and drove away with it on Monday afternoon."
Since then, the bright blue Toyota Hiace covered in sign-writing has been sighted in Tuatapere where the driver stole goods from a local supermarket.
Mr Shuttleworth said the driver was then followed by police through the Otautau region but escaped.
The driver had also refuelled and driven off without paying in Invercargill and Gore service stations.
Balfour Tavern was another victim where the driver left with unpaid goods.
Tavern owner Olive Manston said the quietly spoken driver showed up at the tavern late yesterday morning and attempted to buy some drinks with a bank card which declined twice.
"I thought he looked quite dodgy, but he had this really nice sign-written van."
The driver fled with the drinks, grabbing a handful a chocolate bars as he took off.
She did not feel threatened by the driver, but was very annoyed at him.
The public have continued to report sightings via social media to Mr Shuttleworth.
It is understood the driver is known to police.
Mr Shuttleworth was concerned because the crime spree was reflecting badly on the business.
"It is a Goodbye Pork Pie, except it’s not a yellow Mini, it’s a bright blue, sign-written van," he said.
Police said they had received a report relating to the stolen van and the case was being assessed. It would then be assigned to an officer.
By Toni McDonald
