Police updates on crimes and investigations for 4 September 2023.
Name release: Fatal crash, Avonside Drive/Linwood Avenue, Christchurch
Police can now name the woman who died after a crash involving an e-scooter and a van at the intersection of Avonside Drive and Linwood Avenue in Christchurch on 30 August.
She was Kathryn Ruth Fraser, aged 57, from Christchurch.
‘Our thoughts are with her family and loved ones,’ said police in a statement.
Enquiries into the circumstances of the crash are ongoing.
Witnesses sought to fatal crash in Tikipunga, Whangārei
Police are seeking witnesses to a two-vehicle crash that occurred on Thursday 31 August at about 9.19am on Ngunguru Road, near the Sands Road intersection, Tikipunga.
The crash involved a grey coloured Mazda 6 and a black coloured Harley Davidson motorcycle.
Sadly the 54-year-old motorcycle rider died at the scene.
Police would like any witnesses of the crash, or driving prior to the crash, or anyone with dash camera footage to come forward and assist the ongoing investigation.
Please call the free 105 phone number quoting the file number: 230831/6260.
Police seek information regarding Huntly fires
Waikato Police are seeking information and help from the community regarding a spate of fires lit in the central business area in Huntly over the weekend.
Four businesses sustained fire damage on Saturday night as a result of fires being set at the rear of the buildings.
A further property was damaged on Sunday afternoon when another shop was damaged from a fire set in a similar way.
Police would like to hear from anyone who may have seen people in the area of the Venna Fry Lane, Huntly around 8pm and 10pm on Saturday, and/or between 2pm and 5pm on Sunday.
Any information can be provided to the Huntly police station or by calling 105. Please quote file number 230903/5506.
Alternatively, information can be provided anonymously via Crime Stoppers on 0800 555 111.
Police blown away by disappointing number of drunk drivers
Police across Auckland are reminding motorists not to drink and drive following a disappointing weekend on the roads.
Counties Manukau Road Policing Manager, Inspector Tony Wakelin, says a checkpoint outside a primary school in Papakura on Friday morning was the last place they expected to return positive results.
Two drivers were found to be over the legal alcohol limit, one who had three children in the car.
One of the drivers was twice the limit, while the other was almost three times over the recommended driving limit.
“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,” Inspector Wakelin says.
“If you are stopped by Police, no matter where or 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.”
Meanwhile, in Auckland City units conducting prevention checkpoints on Friday and Saturday nights were blown away by the number of drivers over the legal alcohol limit.
Auckland City Road Policing Coordinator, Tony Ngau Chun says more than 9000 drivers were breath tested across 19 checkpoints.
A total of 15 people were processed for Excess Breath Alcohol as part of an increased focus on drink driving.
“If you are going to be enjoying a few drinks, make sure you have a plan to get home or a sober driver to assist,” Senior Sergeant Ngau Chun says.
“It is pleasing to see drivers and the community accept that road safety is everybody’s business, but drink-driving poses a huge threat to other road users. People can expect to see an increased Police presence on our roads. Expect to see us anywhere, anytime.”
Name releases – fatal crash, Te Aroha
Police are now able to name the two people that passed away following a collision on SH 26, Te Aroha on Saturday 26 August.
They were Jonathon Andrew Mathews, 31, from Paeroa and Peter James Charles Swallow, 30, from Matamata.
‘Our thoughts are with their families at this difficult time,’ said police in a statement.
An investigation into the crash remains ongoing.
