Police updates on crimes and investigations for 19 June 2024.
Police seeking to locate man following alleged assault in Masterton
Wairarapa Police are urging members of the public encountering suspicious activities to contact Police in the first instance and not to take matters into their own hands.
Police received a call about a person seen acting suspiciously on Wavell Cresent in Masterton at about 11:30pm on Saturday 15 June.
Initial enquiries indicate the person who called Police has assaulted the person who was allegedly acting suspiciously.
The CCTV footage of the incident has been circulated on social media.
Enquiries are ongoing to determine the circumstances surrounding the Saturday night incident.
Police are currently speaking to one of the individuals involved in the incident and would like to encourage the other party to come forward to assist with the investigation.
If you have any information relating to this incident please contact Police on 105 or report online, quoting the event number P059065515.
Police urge the public to call 111 immediately if they encounter suspicious people, cars or situations and keep their distance for safety reasons.
Fatal crash following fleeing driver incident, Papatoetoe
Police can confirm one person has died following a crash in Papatoetoe overnight on Monday.
The crash, on Lambie Drive, followed an incident where a vehicle failed to stop for Police and fled from the scene.
Police had signalled for the vehicle to stop on Davies Avenue around 11.40pm after units observed the vehicle travelling with stolen plates.
The vehicle initially stopped for Police for a short time where attending officers spoke to the driver, however the vehicle did not remain, and left the area at speed towards Ronwood Avenue.
Lights were activated and Police were preparing to deploy spikes, however the vehicle swerved and crashed into a tree.
A number of emergency services responded and, despite efforts by first responders, the driver sadly died at the scene.
A passenger received critical injuries and was transported to hospital.
There are now several investigations underway, including a critical incident investigation and a policy, practice, and procedure investigation, as well as a Serious Crash investigation.
As is standard procedure in these circumstances, the Independent Police Conduct Authority has been notified of the incident.
Arrests follow rise in pot thefts, Palmerston North
Police cut growing number of pot thefts down with two men charged in relation to multiple burglaries across Palmerston North.
The operation dubbed Operation Hotpot saw multiple search warrants executed on Monday by Palmerston North CIB, and Tactical Crime Unit.
The operation commenced following an increase in burglaries targeting garden pots and ornaments in the Kelvin Grove and Cloverlea suburbs of Palmerston North.
Two Palmerston North men aged 38 and 40 have been held in custody were due to appear in the Palmerston North District Court yesterday, Tuesday 18 June, on 2 and 16 charges of burglary respectively.
Detective Senior Sergeant Dave Thompson states: “I think we can overlook the value of items we have on display in our gardens, but more importantly the sentimental value that can be associated with them. It was clear that many of the people who had these items stolen had been deeply affected. It is pleasing that we can bring this result to them.
”I would like to thank staff who, dug deep, to bring this result for those who lost their ornaments and plants right from their front yards.
”We are looking to reunite pots which have since been recovered in search warrants executed across Palmerston North, but which remain un-homed.
If anyone recognises the items pictured above as theirs please contact Police on 105 and reference file number: 240514/11627.
Update: Missing woman, Wairere Falls
A person has been located deceased in the Wairere Falls area last night 18 June.
It is believed to be 67-year-old Pauline Grey, reported missing in the area Sunday Night.
Police would like to thank members of the public who have reported information which has assisted in the search.
Due to the location and dangerous conditions Police were unable to recover the body then.
Specialist teams are back in the area this morning in an effort to recover her body.
‘I would like to extend huge thanks to the Land Search and Rescue Teams who were involved in the search, the Rapid Relief Team who fed the staff involved, and local Iwi who are blessing the site this morning,’ said Senior Sergeant Aaron Fraser.
‘I also want to thank the family who have been extensively involved in the search process and our thoughts are with them at this difficult time.
‘Her death is not being treated as suspicious and will be referred to the Coroner.
‘A Rāhui is in place covering the Wairere Falls Track for the next seven days.
‘Police extend our sympathies to the woman’s family and loved ones.’
Police appeal for witnesses following Gore house fire
Gore Police investigating a house fire in Gore on the morning of Monday 17 June are appealing for witnesses to come forward.
Around 11am, Police were called to Duke Street after receiving reports of the fire.
Police would like to speak to anyone who was in the area at the time before emergency services arrived, as well as the members of the public who attempted to enter the address prior to their arrival.
A scene examination was completed yesterday morning, and at this stage the fire is being treated as unexplained.
Police would also like to hear from anyone in the Duke Street area with CCTV footage, or photos and videos from the fire on their devices.
Contact Police by calling 105, or head online to 105.police.govt.nz and select “Update Report”, referencing file number 240617/9095.
Girl missing from Beach Haven located safe
The 15-year-old girl reported missing from Beach Haven on Tuesday has been located safe and well.
Police would like to thank members of the public who reported information to assist in locating her.
