Latest news with #NickThom
1News
18-05-2025
- 1News
Masterton church fires: Man charged with seven counts of arson
Police have arrested and charged a man after fires were set at six churches and a business in Masterton earlier this year. Emergency services responded to a series of suspicious fires on February 22 believed to have been started between 4.25am and 4.35am. The Anglican Church of the Epiphany, St Patrick's Catholic Church, Masterton Baptist Church, and Equippers Church Masterton all suffered damage ranging from "moderate to significant". Crews responded from across the Wairarapa region and from as far away as Avalon Station in Lower Hutt. Police said officers had carried out checks at other churches in the town on Saturday morning — and located evidence to suggest three further churches were targeted but did not catch alight. "It does look as if they've used petrol bombs [for at least some of the churches]," a police spokesperson said. "The great thing about this is no one's been injured." Police earlier said they were following "strong lines of inquiry" and sought information about a green Ford Festiva seen leaving one of the fires. "Police are working to establish the movements of the vehicle in the early hours of Saturday morning when the arsons were reported, and the day or days beforehand," a spokesperson said. The vehicle was located abandoned on Sunday on Mikimiki Rd, north of Masterton, leading armed police to cordon off the road as they worked to locate the occupant. "A significant search was deployed into the area, however no occupants of the vehicle were located," the spokesperson added. Today, however, Police executed a search warrant in Masterton and arrested a 44-year-old man without incident. The blazes were believed to have started between 4.25am and 4.35am. (Source: 1News) Wairarapa Area Commander Inspector Nick Thom thanked the community for its support during the investigation. "The fires were unsettling and upsetting for many people, and I hope today's arrest brings some comfort. "Information from the public has played a pivotal role in this investigation and I want to thank everyone who has helped us, including the dedicated investigators who have spent months following leads and making inquiries." The man was expected to appear in Masterton District Court tomorrow on seven charges of arson.
Scoop
26-04-2025
- Scoop
Operation Kereru – Infringements Issued, Vehicles Seized In Wairarapa
Press Release – New Zealand Police Wairarapa Area Commander, Inspector Nick Thom says the work of Police staff to get in early to disrupt the planned activity saw a pleasing result. Wairarapa Police have put the brakes on an anti-social road user event in the Wairarapa overnight, issuing infringements and seizing vehicles. Operation Kereru saw an increased Police presence in the Wairarapa region, taking a zero-tolerance approach to unlawful road user activity. In the Wairarapa, Police were able to set up necessary checkpoints to disrupt behaviour before it started. Over 50 infringements were issued, and on top of these, ten non-operational orders were served. Two vehicles were seized by Bailiffs, and one was impounded. Wairarapa Area Commander, Inspector Nick Thom says the work of Police staff to get in early to disrupt the planned activity saw a pleasing result. 'As a result of the fantastic work by staff, the vehicles that had gathered were intercepted and had left the area before they were able to get started, all before midnight.' Two people were recorded over the legal alcohol limit and have been summoned to court, as has a man who was arrested for driving while suspended. Wairarapa Police continue to work with staff around the Wellington region to disrupt any anti-social behaviour and want to reassure the community that those participating in unlawful activity will be held to account. Police are reminding members of the public to report any unlawful activity to us, as soon as possible with as much information as safely possible. This will assist in an effective response, and in cases where we can't respond immediately, we are able to follow up with drivers and take later enforcement action. You can report any information to us by calling 111 if it is happening now, or via 105 if it is after the fact, either over the phone or online. Information can also be provided anonymously via Crime Stoppers on 0800 555 111.
Scoop
26-04-2025
- Scoop
Operation Kereru - Infringements Issued, Vehicles Seized In Wairarapa
Wairarapa Police have put the brakes on an anti-social road user event in the Wairarapa overnight, issuing infringements and seizing vehicles. Operation Kereru saw an increased Police presence in the Wairarapa region, taking a zero-tolerance approach to unlawful road user activity. In the Wairarapa, Police were able to set up necessary checkpoints to disrupt behaviour before it started. Over 50 infringements were issued, and on top of these, ten non-operational orders were served. Two vehicles were seized by Bailiffs, and one was impounded. Wairarapa Area Commander, Inspector Nick Thom says the work of Police staff to get in early to disrupt the planned activity saw a pleasing result. 'As a result of the fantastic work by staff, the vehicles that had gathered were intercepted and had left the area before they were able to get started, all before midnight.' Two people were recorded over the legal alcohol limit and have been summoned to court, as has a man who was arrested for driving while suspended. Wairarapa Police continue to work with staff around the Wellington region to disrupt any anti-social behaviour and want to reassure the community that those participating in unlawful activity will be held to account. Police are reminding members of the public to report any unlawful activity to us, as soon as possible with as much information as safely possible. This will assist in an effective response, and in cases where we can't respond immediately, we are able to follow up with drivers and take later enforcement action. You can report any information to us by calling 111 if it is happening now, or via 105 if it is after the fact, either over the phone or online. Information can also be provided anonymously via Crime Stoppers on 0800 555 111.
