Constable Chris Aspin
King Country police have seen an increase in vehicle thefts across both Te Kuiti and Ōtorohanga in recent weeks and are urging the community to remain vigilant.
A vehicle was reported stolen from a residential address in Te Kuiti and recovered in Ōtorohanga before the owner had noticed it was missing. Enquiries into this incident are ongoing.
Police are also investigating the theft of a trailer fitted with a fuel tank stolen from an address in Te Kuiti.
Staff acted on information regarding a vehicle of interest sighted in the Te Kuiti area, which had been reported stolen from out of district. Police successfully located the vehicle and arrested three occupants aged 16 to 19.
In a separate matter, a 38-year-old female was located and arrested at an address in Te Kuiti after breaching her court-imposed curfew conditions linked to an address outside the district.
Following a wilful trespass at a retail store in Te Kuiti, a 35-year-old female has been summoned to appear in court later this month.
Road safety remains a focus. Officers observing a motorbike rider in Ōtorohanga travelling through residential streets in a manner that posed a risk to themselves and others. The rider has since been issued a road safety directive prohibiting them from riding until they obtain the appropriate licence.
Police responded to a serious incident at a rural address in Ōtorohanga, where a 32-year-old male made threats involving a firearm. He was taken into custody without incident and has been remanded in custody. He is due to appear in court later this week facing multiple charges, including contravening a protection order and threatening to kill with a firearm.
In sadder circumstances, staff attended a sudden death near SH4, where it is believed a 78-year-old male suffered fatal injuries while trimming or felling a tree. Our thoughts are with the man’s family and friends at this difficult time.
As always thanks for support, please continue to report suspicious activity, crime, and dangerous or antisocial driving behaviour on our roads.
