Police updates on crimes and investigations for 4 June 2024.
Trio allegedly caught red-handed following Whangārei break-in
Three youths who allegedly broke into a store to steal tools before attempting to use said tools to break into cars have had their plans cut short.
Yesterday at around 1.20pm, Police received a report of three people breaking into a commercial premises on Lower Tarewa Road and allegedly taking a number of items before fleeing on foot.
Whangārei Area Commander, Inspector Maria Nordstrom, says units quickly located three people matching the descriptions provided to Police.
“All three were located on Albert Street in possession of tools and instruments for breaking into vehicles and were quickly taken into custody.
“Our community deserves to conduct their lawful business without the threat of being a victim of crime,” Inspector Nordstrom says.
“We will not tolerate this behaviour and will continue to work hard to ensure our community can be safe and feel safe.
“I would also like to acknowledge those members of the public who observed the concerning behaviour and called 111 straight away, meaning Police could respond swiftly.”
If you see any illegal or suspicious activity and it is happening now you can contact Police via 111, if it’s after the fact you can contact Police on 105.
Two youths aged 12, and a 13-year-old have been referred to Youth Aid Services.
Alleged shoplifter’s plans fail to take flight
Auckland Airport Police firmly have their boots on the ground, disrupting retail offending across the wider airport precinct.
Late last week, constables stopped an alleged shoplifter in her tracks.
Senior Sergeant Wendy Pickering, Auckland Airport Police Response Manager, says Police were alerted to an incident whilst doing routine prevention patrols at the Auckland Airport Retail Centre on Thursday 30 May.
“Around 10.30pm, staff at a nearby retail store waved down Police as they had just observed a woman attempting to leave the store with a trolley full of items.
“It is alleged there was over $1,400 worth of items in the trolley, and that she was also in possession of a weapon.”
Police allege the woman was threatening workers with this item, which was not a firearm, and at one stage allegedly assaulted a staff member, causing minor injuries.
“Our staff responded quickly to the scene and arrested the woman, who is also alleged to have been breaching her bail conditions,” Senior Sergeant Pickering says.
The 26-year-old woman has since been charged with shoplifting and aggravated assault.
She is due to reappear in the Manukau District Court on Friday 14 June.
Senoir Sergeant Pickering says this type of behaviour is unacceptable.
“Over recent months, Police have two marked vehicles in and around the Retail Centre, which assists us with prevention of these types of incidents in the area.
“Police are also working with retail staff and managers at stores in the Retail Centre and we thank those who are proactive in reporting matters to us so we can respond accordingly.”
Arrests made and firearms recovered following Manawatū burglaries
Eight people have been arrested following several burglaries and incidents of theft in the Feilding and Rongotea areas over the last six weeks.
The Palmerston North Tactical Crime Unit conducted eight search warrants over the last two weeks in Marton, Ashurst, Cheltenham, and Palmerston North in relation to dishonesty offending.
A large number of items were recovered including eight firearms, and around $10,000 worth of stolen items.
The burglaries included commercial, residential, and rural premises.
“Thanks to information from the public and investigative work from our dedicated Tactical Crime Unit, two groups of alleged offenders were identified, one in the wider Manawatū region, and the other in Palmerston North, said Inspector Ross Grantham“, Manawatū Area Commander.
“Three men from the first group aged between 19 and 22 are now before the Palmerston North District Court on charges related to theft, burglary, and drug related matters.
“A further three men from the second group are also scheduled to appear in the Palmerston North District Court facing the same charges.
“Our enquiries remain ongoing into the burglaries and further charges are being considered.
“These arrests are testament to the investigative work carried out by the Tactical Crime Unit.
“The results speak for themselves with the number of charges, stolen property recovered and that most of the alleged offenders are now remanded in custody.
“This type of crime goes to the core of community safety, and we are committed to identify those who are responsible.
“We ask that the community continue to report any suspicious activity in the area, as any piece of information no matter how small can assist us in our investigations.
“If you see any suspicious or unlawful activity contact Police on 105 or via 111 if it’s happening now.“
Time of the essence in Auckland restaurant arrest
A rapid response combined with a side of great Police work has resulted in one person facing court.
At around 2.20pm yesterday, Police were alerted to a person allegedly throwing a rock through the door window of a restaurant on Karangahape Road.
Auckland City Central Area Commander, Inspector Grant Tetzlaff, says the person was then seen entering the premises for a short period before fleeing on foot towards Pitt Street.
“A Police camera operator has then been able to track the person’s movements and direct staff to their exact location.
“Within minutes Police units were on the ground and located the male outside a store on Karangahape Road where he was quickly arrested,” he says.
“This was great work from Police staff from across different areas, utilising a range of resources to bring the matter to a conclusion safely.
“This is yet another reminder for those who choose to engage in this type of behaviour, know that we will continue to make arrests and hold those offenders to account.”
A 17-year-old will appear in Auckland Youth Court today charged with burglary.
