Police have recovered a stolen courier van filled with Christmas parcels and arrested three men.

The van was reported stolen on Friday 19 December, prompting concerns packages meant for delivery before Christmas could be lost.

Police later received multiple calls from members of the public reporting three suspicious men carrying courier parcels in the Birdlings Flat area.

Acting Sergeant Daniel Ingram said police responded immediately and saw a vehicle leaving the area.

Acting Sergeant Daniel Ingram said police responded immediately, and saw a vehicle leaving the area, which later attempted to hide from Police on a rural roadside.

“The vehicle was located a short time later following further information provided by members of the public, however the three men had fled on foot.

“The Police Delta unit attended, and with the assistance of a local farmer and their technology available, the three men were located and arrested nearby.”

The trio have been charged with theft and unlawfully taking a motor vehicle.

They will appear in the Christchurch District Court on Tuesday 23 December.

“Despite the Grinches trying to steal Christmas, the majority of the packages were recovered and returned to the courier company for delivery.”