Most Beach Hoppers behaved well
The Beach Hop kept police busy but overall the big crowds were well behaved. Eleven people were arrested at Whangamata and charged with disorder offences or breach of liquor ban. Two vehicles were impounded when drivers were found doing wheel spins and driving dangerously.
Several people were processed for drunk driving. There were no reports of violence or damage to property.
Monday March 22
A Paeroa man was arrested and charged with kidnapping and breach of bail at a Station Rd address. He is alleged to have kidnapped a woman by force at a Matamata Z service station. They are known to each other. The alleged offender was held in custody overnight and was remanded in custody.
A Te Rerenga man was charged at Whitianga Police Station with reckless driving, driving while suspended and failing to stop in relation an incident on March 17 at Mangatawhiri. He is alleged to have fled from police while riding a motorcycle at excessive speeds of up to 200km/h with a pillion passenger on the rear.
They are alleged to have abandoned the motorcycle and their riding gear at a Karaka property then fled in a vehicle belonging to an unwitting member of the public.
Unfortunately for the alleged offender, the police Eagle helicopter was overhead watching them. The rider is appearing in court soon.
Tuesday March 23
A Waihou man was charged with threatening behaviour after an incident at Royal Oak Hotel, Thames.
He was refused service due to intoxication then allegedly stole a bottle of beer, threatened to throw it at the publican then threw it over his shoulder causing it to smash.
He received a trespass notice and a formal warning.
Wednesday March 24
A Paeroa man was charged with accessing a computer for dishonest purposes after an investigation involving a burglary at Bucklands Beach on November 19.
He is alleged to have stolen funds from a bank account via a stolen computer that was taken in the burglary.
He will be appearing court soon.
A Thames woman was charged with theft at a Tararau Rd address in relation to a burglary that occurred at Tide Waters holiday park on the February 26. She was given a formal warning.
Thursday March 25
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A Whangamata man was arrested for failing to appear at court in relation to a burglary charge. He was held in custody overnight for Court in Hamilton.
Friday March 26
A Thames woman was charged with threatening behaviour at a Danby St address. She was later released with a formal warning.
A Coromandel man was charged with breaching a police safety order at a Fredrick St address.
He had been served with the notice the day prior requiring him to leave the property however he returned then refused to leave when police arrived. He was held in custody for court in Hamilton.
Saturday March 27
A Te Aroha man was arrested after he failed stop for police at SH2 Kerepehi.
He allegedly fled in his vehicle from police then tried to conceal it at a property but crashed on the driveway. He then fled on foot.
After a brief foot chase he was apprehended. Checks revealed he was a disqualified driver. He is now facing several charges.
A Ngatea man was charged with causing wilful damage at a Front Miranda Rd address. He will appear in court soon.
Sunday March 28
At the Thames Police Station, a Thames man was charged with assault in relation to a family harm incident that occurred at a Tony Ave address on January 5.
He is alleged to have assaulted two teenage boys by punching them both in the face. The alleged offender and victims are known to each other. He is due to appear in court soon.
Road Policing Message
It’s time for parents of teenagers to step up and ensure that their kids are driving to the conditions of their learner or restricted driver licences.
It’s an offence to carry passengers on a learners and the same applies to a restricted licence when there’s no overseer in the front passenger seat.
The penalty is a fine of $100 and 35 demerits. Some young drivers are committing multiple offences in one journey with no L plate, carrying passengers and no overseer.
All it takes is three infringements and their driver licence is suspended for three months.
Police contacts
Report crime online at 105. police.govt.nz — if it’s already happened, call 105. If it’s happening now, call 111. For traffic matters call *555 (mobile phone only). To remain anonymous call Crimestoppers 0800 555 111. Paeroa, Waihi and Whangamata police station public counters are open business hours and police are working in the area 24/7.