Christchurch woman's stolen tiny home found after police search

Police have stated that, with the assistance of the public, a cabin stolen from a property in Christchurch has been recovered. The cabin, located on Sandwich Road in Beckenham, was stolen last Monday. According to the owner, Carter Calvert, a six-meter section of fence was removed before the cabin was towed away.

Calvert had earlier appealed on social media for help in tracking down the stolen cabin. She wrote on Facebook, "This means a great deal to me, as it was my mother's home for many years before she went into dementia care." She also mentioned, "Inside are my mother's artwork, as well as other Finnish items that are very special to me. It was a home."

Calvert indicated that the cabin was likely driven towards the river after being stolen, and she believes it was towed by a black or dark-colored four-wheel-drive vehicle, followed by a gray van. She also wrote, "Someone saw the cabin on the side of the road in the Opawa area around 4 pm on Monday, while someone was inflating the tires. On Wilson Road, there was a woman and two men who were cautious about being questioned."

Police stated on Monday that they had located the cabin after receiving multiple leads from the public. A spokesperson said that a 40-year-old man has been charged with burglary and appeared in court on Monday. According to The Press, he also faces earlier charges, including intent to enter two other properties, and recklessly receiving a possibly stolen vehicle.

Following the arrest, Calvert updated her Facebook post, writing, "You have restored my faith in people's kindness and compassion." She also stated, "We really don't know if we'll get my mother's home back - it looks like these people have trashed it... Thank you all so much."