Latest news with #WairarapaPolice
RNZ News
16-05-2025
- RNZ News
29 cars stolen in Wairarapa over past two weeks
Wairarapa police are urging to people to dial 111 if they suspect car theives are at work after a significant jump in the number of vehicles being nicked in the district. 29 cars have been stolen in the area in the past two weeks, 25 of them in Masterton. Wairarapa Area Prevention manager Senior Sergeant Gill Flower spoke to Lisa Owen. Tags: To embed this content on your own webpage, cut and paste the following: See terms of use.
RNZ News
15-05-2025
- Automotive
- RNZ News
Two brands targeted as car thefts soar in Masterton
Photo: 123RF Wairarapa police say groups of criminals are behind the theft of 29 cars in just two weeks in the Waitrarapa area. The number of thefts is an increase on the 37 vehicles that were stolen in the two months to May last year. Wairarapa area prevention manager Senior Sergeant Gill Flower said the recent rise is believed to be down to groups of criminals operating in the area. "There's no reason behind some of these thefts - they're doing it for their enjoyment and don't care about all damage they're doing to the cars and the impact it has on people." Of the 29 thefts, 25 were in Masterton. Mazda Demios and Ford Couriers have been the main target and Senior Sergeant Flower appealed to owners to be more aware of security. "Some of the vehicles have been left unlocked, or keys left in places that are easy to access. "People are also leaving items in their cars, and that attracts attention too. "These offenders aren't above stealing your prescription glasses, so the less you can leave in your car, the better." She said steering wheel locks were a cost-effective way to immobilise a car and make it less attractive to thieves. "Some people can't afford insurance, but a steering wheel lock will mean your car is undrivable. "It's a worthwhile investment, especially if you have to park your car on the road." Anyone spotting suspicious behaviour should call 111. "The faster we get a report, the quicker we can act." Even in cases where police couldn't respond immediately, the reports helped them keep track of where offenders were operating. "For us it's valuable intelligence. "If you can't report something straight away, please still tell us about it by making a report through 105."
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.
