A Heywood man alleged to have stolen a 1988 Nissan Triton ute from out the front of the town's newsagency on Friday morning is currently assisting police with their inquiries.
A police spokesman said the man is expected to be charged with the theft of the car and associated offences.
He will appear in court for a bail/remand hearing either Friday afternoon or on Monday.
The spokesman said it was alleged the man stole the ute from the front of the newsagency in Edgar Street early Friday morning while the owner of the vehicle was in the business.
The ute owner had left the keys in the vehicle.
"The 1988 Nissan Triton utility was parked out the front of the business with the keys in the ignition," he said.
"It's alleged the Heywood man then drove off in the ute. It was an opportunistic theft."
The vehicle was located alongside the Henty Highway on the approach to Portland, just south of Westlakes Road.
It caught fire in the passenger side footwell.
Portland Country Fire Authority volunteers were called and quickly put out the blaze.
The Heywood man was arrested soon after and is now assisting police with their investigations.
He's expected to be interviewed, charged and appear in court.
IN OTHER NEWS
- Warrnambool business owner ordered to repay $110k in fraudulent workers compo
- Large amount of cash stolen from home
- Man who twice-stabbed victim and later fled from police after drug bust will likely be jailed
- GP plan leaves questions unanswered, expert says
- Emmanuel College's $81m masterplan for campus includes swimming pool
Our journalists work hard to provide local, up-to-date news to the community. This is how you can access our trusted content:
- Bookmark https://www.standard.net.au/
- Make sure you are signed up for our breaking and regular headlines and newsletters
- Follow us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and LinkedIn
- Tap here to open our Google News page
- Join our Courts and Crime Facebook group and our dedicated Sport Facebook group
- Subscribe
Have you signed up to The Standard's daily newsletter and breaking news emails? You can register below and make sure you are up to date with everything that's happening in the south-west.
Andrew Thomson
Long-time senior journalist
Long-time senior journalist
