Heartbreak in Otago: Man’s Ute Stolen with Beloved Dogs Inside, Police Link to Burglary
Original Reporting by: Polly Wenlock, 1News Digital Reporter First Published by: 1News (January 4, 2026)
By Lions Roar News Local Desk
ŌMAKAU, CENTRAL OTAGO (January 4, 2026) — A Central Otago man is making a desperate public plea after his white Holden Colorado ute was stolen with his two beloved dogs still inside. The incident, which occurred yesterday in the small town of Ōmakau, has left owner Jake Nolan devastated, who says he cares “not about the truck, I just want my dogs back.”
Police have since confirmed the vehicle theft is believed to be connected to an earlier burglary in nearby Alexandra.
💔 “Devastating Start to the Year”: Dogs are the Priority
Jake Nolan had briefly stepped away from his ute to visit a friend in Ōmakau yesterday afternoon when he witnessed someone jump into his vehicle and drive off. Gone with the ute were his two cherished companions:
- Nala: A five-year-old blue heeler.
- Jock: A nine-year-old black Huntaway cross.
“It’s not a very good way to start the year, it’s pretty devastating,” Nolan told 1News, visibly emotional. “I’ve had them since they were eight weeks old. I’m not worried about the truck, I just want my dogs back.”
🌐 Public Rallies: Over 2,000 Shares on Facebook
In his distress, Nolan turned to social media, posting an urgent appeal on Facebook for public assistance. He asked everyone across the South Island to keep an eye out for his white Holden Colorado with the registration JKG185 (noting a missing Holden badge on the back), but stressed that the dogs are the main priority.
The response has been overwhelming. “It’s been unreal, I made the post yesterday and it’s been shared over 2000 times,” Nolan expressed, clearly moved by the community’s support.
🚨 Police Investigation: Links to Alexandra Burglary
Sergeant Regan Price confirmed that police received a report of the vehicle being stolen from Ōmakau around 1 PM yesterday. Investigators believe Nolan’s stolen ute is linked to a burglary that occurred earlier on January 3 in Alexandra.
According to police, a different vehicle was used in the Alexandra burglary and was subsequently dumped near Ōmakau. Nolan’s ute was then taken from Ōmakau shortly after.
Sergeant Price urged anyone with information to come forward:
- Witnesses: Anyone who saw the incident in Ōmakau.
- Location: Individuals with knowledge of the ute or the dogs’ whereabouts.
- Footage: Anyone in the Maniototo area with dashcam, mobile phone, or CCTV footage that could assist the investigation.
Police can be contacted via 105 (online or phone) using reference number 260103/4368.
