Dianne Quinn said she was impressed with the response fearing her car had gone for good when it was stolen July 31.

Ms Quinn was staying with her sister at Lemon Tree Passage and her black Honda Civic was parked in the drive.

Ms Quinn heard the car being driven away late at night and the sisters immediately called police.

"The policeman was very understanding and put out a missing vehicle report straight away," Ms Quinn said.

Within an hour the car had been found on route to Nelson Bay.

"The police were absolutely gorgeous they even changed the damaged wheel for me so that I could drive it home," she said.

Police made a follow-up call a few days later.

Police have made an arrest and charges of theft have been laid.