A vehicle that was stolen in Gympie in December has been found in the Proserpine River and, in order to retrieve it, emergency service personnel had to dodge a three and a half metre resident crocodile on a nearby bank.
Despite the dangerous local wildlife and the muddy, steep shoreline, officers reported that the vehicle was removed from the water without incident.
The 2014 model Kia Cerato was stolen from the Gympie home on December 13 and discovered mostly submerged in tidal waters on December 29 where it had been dumped in the Proserpine River near Glen Isla Road.
The location is known as "The Landing" - a popular site amongst locals for fishing and known for its dense crocodile population.
With a strong focus on safety, the vehicle was removed from the waters with the assistance of officers from the Proserpine station, the Whitsunday Water Police, officers from the Police Dive Squad, personnel from the State Emergency Service (SES) and also Parks and Wildlife.
“Police are grateful for the assistance offered by all in the retrieval of the stolen vehicle from the water in these unique circumstances,” said a police spokesperson.
“Anyone who may have information about either the initial car theft from Gympie, or the dumping of the stolen car at this location is encouraged to contact police as soon as possible.”
The stolen vehicle was dumped in croc infested waters
The 2014 model Kia Cerato was removed without incident. Photos supplied