Police Snippets

 

Man found dead
A 64-year-old man was found dead by a member of the public on the clifftops between Alamar Crescent and Robert Street on October 7. Police say the investigation into how the man died is with the coroner but at this stage there are no suspicious circumstances. 

Drivers caught speeding
Police want to urge drivers again to slow down on the streets especially in areas with children.

Constable Wewege says he pulled over eight cars in one hour for speeding past the Mangawhai Activity Zone on October 1.

“It was a Saturday and a lot of children were on the pavement walking to and from the park,” he says. “But drivers were not taking any notice, they continued to drive at more than 70kmh in a 50kmh zone.”

Wewage also wants drivers to think of the long-term repercussions of drinking and driving.

“It’s not just paying the fine and court fees but if you’re also disqualified from driving you have to find another way to work or getting kids around. You may lose a job because of having no licence and then have the consequences from a loss of income.” 

Mangawhai burglaries down
Police are pleased to report they have had a high success rate in arresting all known burglary offenders in Mangawhai and have not had any further reports of burglaries in over two months. 

However, Wewage says police still want to urge home and bach owners to be aware of the possibility of theft and take precautions such as installing CCTV and security alarms, to protect their assets.

“We are always happy to hear from people if they feel an individual is acting suspiciously,” he says. “Get a description of the person, registration plates of any vehicles involved and either contact the Crime Report Line or leave a message at the station.”

If witnessing a crime in progress and emergencies always ring 111. Crime Report Line 09 477 5000

Theft caught on CCTV
Thieves used a sledgehammer to gain access to the Matakana Gull petrol station on October 12, between 3.43 and 3.52am, targeting cigarettes, lighters and a stash of Red Bull. CCTV footage captured the offenders as well as the vehicle involved – a dark grey, late 80s–early 90s Nissan Turano with registration plates removed. 

“The driver waited in the car so we are unable to get a clear ID, but the other offender had long hair and slim build so could be a female or possibly a male disguised as a female,” Constable Dale Wewege says. 

The theft may be related to the burglary at Wellsford Subway a few weeks ago Wewage says as the Matakana offenders used the same MO. 

Photos: If you have any information regarding the car or offenders, please contact Police.
- REPORTING/Julia Wade