Wanted man ‘active’ in Mackenzie
A wanted man is believed to be active in the Mackenzie district, police say.
Lance Hibberd, 36, is wanted on a warrant to arrest for numerous burglary and theft charges, with Senior Constable Brad Morton, of Lake Tekapo, saying there are signs he has been active in the Mackenzie, as well as other areas.
At the same time, Morton is urging residents and holidaymakers to be vigilant following a series of break-ins in Lake Tekapo overnight Sunday.
Morton said police believe Hibberd is also in possession of a red camper van stolen from Lake O¯ hau last month.
‘‘We believe the van has been altered,’’ Morton told The Timaru Herald yesterday.
Morton said Hibberd was active at nighttime.
‘‘We have had potential sightings in a number of different areas, he has been understood to be travelling through the
Mackenzie.’’
Morton would not be drawn to comment further.
‘‘I wouldn’t approach him, I would encourage people to contact 111.’’
None of the vehicles broken into overnight Sunday had been locked and three electronic scooters had been stolen from one vehicle, Morton said.
‘‘We encourage people to lock their vehicles and houses.’’
Hibberd appeared on Police Ten 7 on December 17.
At the time police said he could be driving a red Toyota HiAce and may be spending time in sports clubs and campgrounds.
He has contacts throughout the South Island and police warned he is not to be approached.
Hibberd is described as 181 centimetres/5’11’’, solid build and may be clean-shaven.