Man’s watch and wallet stolen in New Year’s Day Coastal Walkway mugging

New Plymouth police are investigating a report of two offenders allegedly assaulting and robbing a man of his wallet and watch on the Coastal Walkway early on Monday morning.

The victim was walking home around 4am near the Dawson St entrance to the walkway when he was confronted by two men who allegedly assaulted him before taking his watch and wallet, acting Sergeant Wade Callander said.

Police would like to hear from any member of the public who may have information on the incident. The victim suffered minor injuries.

Coolish temperatures and light drizzle on New Year’s Eve and most of New Year’s Day in New Plymouth conspired to keep any potential disorder under control from the many revellers celebrating New Years Eve in the CBD, Callender said.

A male arrested for disorderly behaviour was the only incident on the night, he said.

‘‘It was pretty steady all night with most people enjoying the new year.

‘‘The weather certainly helped and we had no reports of any problems at beach resorts Oakura or Urenui,’’ he said.

The rain also helped dampen fire risk hotspots with New Plymouth Fire and Emergency crews responding to only minor callouts, New Plymouth senior station officer Steve Dombroski said.

‘‘The rain has been really helpful and and it continues over the next few days it will help to ease the fire risk for many,’’ he said.