By CASEY NEILL
A NARRE Warren North retiree has been reunited with his stolen Mustang.
Sergeant Andrew Payne said police found the car at a Dandenong address this morning (Thursday) thanks to information from the public and investigations conducted last night.
He said officers arrested a Dandenong man, 48, who was interviewed and released pending a summons. The investigation is ongoing.
Sgt Payne said owner John Archibald was “over the moon”.
“His son was just about in tears,” he said.
“The windscreen is cracked and there’s a little bit of panel damage. But it could have been much worse.”
Mr Archibald yesterday (Wednesday) pleaded for the Ford GT Mustang convertible’s safe return after returning home on Monday to find his garage broken into and the distinctive car missing.
“Since I could walk I’ve always wanted to have a Mustang,” he said.
“I can imagine why someone else wanted to get their backside in it and have a flutter in it.
“Take bloody good care of it, respect it and leave it somewhere where it can be found or picked up without a scratch on it.”
Mr Archibald bought the car two years ago but said few people knew he had it. He suspected someone took a liking to it, followed him home and returned to steal it.
“It was one of the retirement plans,” he said.
Tim Archibald said the theft had been gut-wrenching for his dad.
“It’s a car that he’s bought as a reward,” he said.
Detective Senior Constable Andrew Pybus said police on a routine patrol spotted the car at the BP service station on the corner of Stud and Heatherton roads, Dandenong, about 1.15am Wednesday.
He said police recognised the car as stolen and tried unsuccessfully to get the driver to pull over.
“There wasn’t a pursuit,” he said.
Call Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or visit www.crimestoppers.com.au with any information.
