Dawn service plans almost scuppered

Scout leader David Sutherland outside the Opoho Scout Hall where his car was stolen this week. Photo: Gregor Richardson.

A stalwart of Dunedin Scouting is fuming after his car was stolen on the eve of Anzac Day, almost causing him and his troop to miss the dawn service in the Queens Gardens.

Opoho Scout leader David Sutherland held a sleep-over at the Opoho Scout Hall for his troop on Monday night so they could go to the dawn service together on Tuesday morning.

But he woke about 5am on Tuesday to find his Nissan Pulsar (registration AAL427) missing from where he had parked it.

He and several parents then began to worry when they realised they would not have enough seats to transport the 13-member troop to the Queens Gardens.

''I went outside and I looked twice and it wasn't there. I couldn't believe it.''

Mr Sutherland was due to take four Scouts to the service, but another parent came to the rescue.

''It was a real inconvenience for a lot of people. I'm not spitting sparks but I'm very angry.

''It was our convenient way to get everybody down to the service.

''We were trying to do the community service thing and then someone threw a spanner in the works.''

The car has not yet been found.