Burglaries a problem in Taupo¯

Te¯na¯ koutou katoa.

Over the past seven days the Taupo¯ Police Station has received 12 reports of burglary. Out of those, four have been trailers, bicycles and boats either being entered and searched or taken.

Most of the offending at this stage is in the Hilltop/Tauhara/ Wharewaka and Nukuhau areas. Police will be deploying resources into these areas to reduce offending. We have had some success last week with arrests of those we were seeking for warrants. Some of these people who have active warrants are still actively offending in Taupo¯ so we have focused on apprehending them.

As we ramp up into the busy season we expect to see a rise in thefts from cars, normally around the AC Baths Ave area, Spa Park, Huka Falls, Reids Farm and Lake Tce. We are preparing for the Summer Policing Operation and will be deploying more staff into these areas. If you see somebody acting suspiciously in these areas, stop, call 111 so we can check this person or the vehicle and if you are able to do so safely, a description and/or number plate is a great assistance.

Over the weekend my staff informed me that the nightclubs and bars on Tu¯wharetoa St, Lake Tce and others within the CBD were quite busy. We actively patrol this area for compliance. Over the weekend there were some individuals who threw bottles at our members. We are investigating and hopefully charges will follow.

A reminder to everyone to drink responsibly, to find alternative transport home if you’ve had something to drink and just look after your mates. We’ll be working alongside the licensed premises in the Taupo¯ CBD to ensure that your experience of the Taupo¯ nightlife is safe and enjoyable.

If you have a mate who gets a little bit carried away while consuming alcohol, look after that person so that they too can have an enjoyable night rather than spending some time in the Police cells sobering up.

Over the next seven days we will be continuing to focus on apprehending those people that have warrants for their arrest. We’ll be patrolling in areas where we’re seeing a rise in dwelling burglaries and will be starting to do some pre-conditioning around our Taupo¯ CBD so that we can all enjoy this beautiful town on the edge of a beautiful lake.

Until next week stay safe and please, if you need assistance from the Police and you need us now, ring 111 so that we can come and attend.

Nga¯ mihi, Phil Edwards