Police On the Beat
King Country Police have had another active week, responding to a range of incidents across the district.
Police believe they have identified a 46-year-old woman responsible for several ongoing retail crime incidents in Te Kuiti. The offender has continued to target the same store and has repeatedly breached trespass notices. Staff are making further enquiries to locate her. We encourage all store workers to remain vigilant and report offending as it occurs.
Chris Aspin
Police attended a sudden death involving a 71-year-old male at a Te Kuiti address. The matter has been referred to the coroner. Local staff wish to acknowledge the support provided by specialist teams who assisted with scene work and follow up enquiries.
Staff located a stolen vehicle in Benneydale. The vehicle has been towed and will undergo forensic examination as part of ongoing enquiries.
We are investigating a burglary that occurred in Piopio over the previous weekend. Offenders used a stolen vehicle and targeted a store during the night. Staff are actively working to identify those involved and hold them accountable.
Police responded to a mental health crisis involving a female at a residential address in Te Kuiti. After a period of negotiation, she was safely taken into custody under the Mental Health Act and transported to Waikato Hospital for further support.
Police are looking into reports of sustained loss of traction incidents occurring in Benneydale township and on SH30. Members of the public are asked to report any further incidents and to come forward with information that may assist.
Staff attended a crash on SH3 in Te Mapara, where a driver is suspected to have suffered a medical event prior to leaving the road and colliding with a farm fence and power pole.
Police followed up and dealt with a 31-year-old male in Ōtorohanga for a breach of bail matter. A 29-year-old male has been served with a summons for driving while disqualified – a third and subsequent offence.
King Country police have arrested and charged a 41-year-old male in relation to a serious assault that took place late last year at a party in Hangatiki.
The weather is changing frequently at the moment and there is a lot of road maintenance happening across the district. We ask drivers to remain patient and reduce their speed when passing through these areas. As always, thank you for your continued support.
