CRIME BRIEFS

■ On the night of the September 30 a farm woolshed was burgled in the O¯ makere area. Offenders have stolen two Heininger shearing machines valued at $1800 each, the latest in a string of burglaries for this farmer. He had taken extra security precautions. This offender is probably employed in the shearing industry. Information leading to his identity and the stolen machines would be gratefully received.

■ A car was taken from outside the Leopard Hotel and recovered at Wallace Rd. Items had been stolen.

■ A garage at a Francis Drake Street address was burgled and power tools stolen along with personal items in a satchel. The tools were laterfound hidden in shrubs at a school. Police are following leads.

■ At 12.30 am on October 2 a police patrol stopped a vehicle on State highway 2 in Waipukurau. The male driver gave the officer a false name. Thanks to technology, his correct identity was established, and he had a parole recall warrant. The driver sped away leading officers in a pursuit which was soon called off due to his dangerous driving. Two Waipukurau units were joined by units from Dannevirke and Hastings. The vehicle was discovered by a Hawke’s Bay dog handler parked near Waipawa. The offender rammed the dog handler’s vehicle and sped off toward Hastings before being stopped by road spikes. He was arrested trying to run from the vehicle. Police found a large hunting knife and drug paraphernalia.

He is in custody and faces seven charges.

■ On September 29 a female driver was stopped on Ruataniwha Street,Waipukurau, and had a reading of 909 micrograms of alcohol per litre of breath. Her licence was immediately suspended and she faces a fine and further disqualification.

■ Call CRIMESTOPPERS on 0800 555 111