Police updates on crimes and investigations for 24 December 2022.
Name release- Bluff harbour
Police are now in a position to name the man who died in Bluff Harbour on Saturday 10 December.
He was Peter Nichol, 57, of Alexandra.
Police disappointed after checkpoints in Wellington
Wellington Police are disappointed after 15 drivers tested for excess breath alcohol on 22 December as part of a crack-down on drink driving over the festive season.
Police breath tested 2,500 drivers at checkpoints across the Wellington and Hutt Valley area.
Locating even one driver with excess breath alcohol is concerning, let alone 15.
‘This is a reminder that as a community we have a responsibility to ensure we drive safely at all times and do not take any unnecessary risks – getting behind the wheel after drinking is one of those risks not worth taking,’ said Acting Wellington District Road Policing Manager, Senior Sergeant Matthew Fitzgerald.
‘Drivers can expect to see more checkpoints around Wellington, so if you are stopped by Police, no matter what time of day or the reason, you can expect to be breath tested.
‘Our officers will be out in force anytime, anywhere to deter unsafe driving behaviour.
‘The most important message Police want to convey is really simple: don’t risk your life and that of others by driving while impaired in any way.
‘If you are going to drink, plan how you’re getting home before you head out so you avoid making a bad decision later. Get a mate to drive, or someone to pick you up, or grab a taxi, ride share, or take public transport. There is always an alternative to drink driving.’
Taupō Police catch alleged shoplifter
Today Police executed a search warrant at an address in Taupō in relation to recent offending in the area.
Several stolen items were recovered during the search.
A 26-year-old man has been arrested and is scheduled to appear in Rotorua District Court tomorrow for a number of dishonesty offences.
The man is facing two burglary charges and four shoplifting charges.
The man is also facing one charge of possession of meth.
Enquiries are continuing and further charges are likely.
The offending is understood to have taken place over the past month at a number of retailers in the Taupō area.
Police received multiple reports regarding a suspicious vehicle on Thursday.
Police would like to thank members of the public for this information, which subsequently led to the man’s arrest.
Fatal crash – Rongtoea Road, Manawatū
One person has died following a crash on Rongotea Road in Manawatū overnight 23 December.
The single vehicle crash was reported to Police at 12.20am.
The driver, the sole occupant of the car, was located deceased at the scene.
Enquiries into the circumstances of the crash are under way.
Serious crash, Masterton
A person has been injured after being hit by a car on Queen Street, Masterton.
At approximately 1.45pm this afternoon, a vehicle travelling on Queen Street clipped a number of vehicles and then struck a pedestrian on the footpath.
The pedestrian has been airlifted to hospital. There are no other reports of injuries.
Emergency services are currently at the scene and motorists are asked to avoid the area.
The Serious Crash Unit has been advised.
