WAIHI-COROMANDEL POLICE REPORT
Monday, May 11
Two chainsaws, a Husqvarna and Stihl, were stolen from a vehicle at Wellington St. If anyone has information or knows of a chainsaw being offered for sale or trade, contact police.
Last week’s suspended driver was at it again, this time riding a motorcycle. Another charge and another vehicle impounded for 28 days.
Tuesday, May 12
Believe it or not, the suspended driver struck again on SH2 at Waikino. His list of charges keeps growing along with the number of vehicles he has impounded.
Wednesday, May 13
A Bowentown man was arrested for allegedly squirting diesel on a woman from a petrol pump at the GAS station on Beach Rd. He is charged with assault and will be appearing in court soon. He was also suspended from driving due to excess demerits and trespassed from the premises.
A Hamilton man was arrested at a Mataura Rd address for breaching his court release conditions. He was released from prison in the morning with an ankle bracelet and strict conditions not to associate with a victim and not to enter Hamilton. He breached both conditions by midday and was back in a cell by the afternoon.
Thursday, May 14
A Whangamata man was arrested at a Lincoln Rd address for a warrant to arrest. The warrant was issued for breaching his community work conditions.
A Waihi man was trespassed from the transfer station at Dean Cres after a dispute with an employee. The man allegedly ignored warnings not to enter the premises and sideswiped the employee’s leg with a trailer. Another Waihi man was arrested at Victoria St after he allegedly entered a commercial building, took a hammer then smashed a window. He uplifted a steel wheel rim and threw it through the side window of a van. Police took him into custody. He is charged with wilful damage and will be appearing in court soon. Other charges may follow. A Whitianga man failed an alcohol breath test with a result of 324 micrograms of alcohol. He was also forbidden to drive. He was found under the influence in his vehicle at the end of Clarke St.
Friday, May 15
A vehicle was stolen from a Silverton Rd property overnight. It was located later at Victoria St. The battery was removed. Police are waiting on forensic test results. If anyone has information or knows of a battery being offered for sale or trade, contact police. An intoxicated driver crashed into a vehicle at Gilmour St and Kenny St intersection. The impact of the crash caused the victim’s vehicle to collide with a nearby tree. The offending driver fled from the scene but was found nearby. He failed an alcohol breath test with a result of 724 micrograms of alcohol. Both vehicles sustained extensive damage. A Waihi man will appear in court soon.
Saturday, May 16
Three burglaries reported from overnight. A Waihi Beach residential property had a handbag stolen from an outside chair. A Grey St property had meat stolen from a freezer and a Carrick Robertson Place dwelling had furniture items stolen some time over the last few weeks.
Three offenders were found in a stolen vehicle at Seddon St. The vehicle had been stolen last week from Waihi. The driver has been charged and two others are being referred for alternative resolution.
An offender was arrested for robbery of a dairy on Normanby Rd, Paeroa. The offender entered the premises armed with an air pistol and a knife. They were restrained by the shopkeeper and members of the public. Police took the offender into custody and charges will follow. The shopkeeper sustained a minor injury from the knife.
Sunday, May 17
Four vehicles were involved in a traffic crash at the intersection of SH2 and Crean Rd. The offending driver fled from the scene. No injuries to any drivers or passengers. Vehicles sustained minor to moderate damage. Police are making inquiries to locate the offending driver.
Crime prevention advice
There was a concerning spike in burglaries this week. Always lock your vehicle when you’re not present and put your valuables out of sight or, even better, remove them. Lock up your home day and night, too. Failure to do this provides opportunity for offenders. Target harden your property with an alarm system on your house and vehicles and report all suspicious behaviour at the time it is occurring.
Road policing message
As anticipated with the lifting of Covid19 travel restrictions, there was a lot more traffic on the roads. Sadly some people endangered other motorists by driving under the influence of alcohol. Luckily there were no serious injuries. Drunk drivers don’t get warnings, they get prosecuted every time. Whanga Speedway, otherwise known as The Causeway has vehicles with speeds on Harry Watt Drive that are getting up there, team. Remember elderly, children and families are around here at all times of the day. Please make a decent effort to watch your speed.
Boat Burglaries
Whangamata has seen a noticeable increase in people helping themselves to belongings on boats, both on the poles and elsewhere. Check your boat regularly and take valuables i.e. VHF radios, GPS and Beacons back to shore when you can. Anyone with information should contact Police.
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.