Category: MIL-OSI

Source: New Zealand Police

Police can confirm one person has died following a crash on State Highway 1, Manakau earlier today.

Emergency services were called to the collision involving a car and a motorcycle, near Whakahoro Road just before 10:20am.

The motorcyclist died at the scene. A second person sustained minor injuries.

The Serious Crash Unit attended and enquiries are being made to determine the circumstances of the crash.

State Highway 1 has since re-opened.

ENDS

Issued by Police Media Centre

Source: New Zealand Police

Police are urging rural property owners to be vigilant and ensure their property is secure including farm gates.

A key focus for Police is preventing crime from happening in the first place.

We would like to remind rural property owners to make security a priority.

A lot of reported thefts are committed by opportunistic criminals looking for an insecure shed, or a farm vehicle with keys left in the ignition or an open gate.

It’s important to ensure your property, including fuel tanks, are secure and locked to restrict theft and tampering.

There are a range of measures you can take to ensure your property is safe and less appealing to burglars:

Secure your home, garage, farm buildings, fuel tanks and vehicles at night and when unattended.

Record the serial numbers or engrave tools, electronic and valuable items with your licence number.

Install an alarm system and get sensor lights fitted as a deterrent.

Always lock your property and auxiliary buildings when you leave, even if it’s only for a short time.

Always lock your vehicles when you leave them and take your keys with you.

Use chains and locks to secure openings and access.

Keep in contact with your neighbours and let one another know if you see anything unusual.

We take burglary and theft incidents seriously, if you see anything suspicious contact Police immediately on 105 or Crime Stoppers on 0800 555 111.

Further burglary prevention advice is available on the Police website.

ENDS

Issued by Police Media Centre

Source: New Zealand Police

Police can now release the name of the man who died following a crash on State Highway 56, Tiakitahuna on Monday 14 July.

He was Colin Parker, 85, of Palmerston North.

Police extend sympathies to Colin’s family and friends.

Enquiries into the circumstances of the crash are ongoing.

ENDS.

Issued by Police Media Centre

Source: New Zealand Police

Police have arrested and charged 19 members and associates of the Hells Angels Motorcycle Club Whanganui chapter today, in a huge blow to their stranglehold in the area.

Operation Round Up has seen nearly $2.5 million worth of assets seized as Police executed around 30 search warrants on properties and vehicles this morning.

The search warrants were executed in Whanganui, Auckland, Palmerston North, and Hastings, assisted by the Armed Offenders Squad and Special Tactics Group.

During the warrants across the North Island, items seized included five firearms, a brick of cocaine, $7,000 cash, and around 10 ounces of meth.

Seventeen men and 2 women have been charged, including the president, vice-president, and sergeant at arms.

Central District Crime Manager Detective Inspector Craig Sheridan says this is a significant blow to the gang, which has had an entrenched presence in the Whanganui community for decades.

As part of enforcement activity, Police’s Central Asset Recovery Unit has restrained five motorcycles, seven vehicles, three properties, two jet skis, and around $108,000 cash.

Detective Inspector Sheridan says the operation has been spearheaded by Central District Organised Crime Unit, in an all-of-Police approach to tackling gang harm.

Staff from several workgroups and locations have worked as one to obtain these results, he says.

“The assets restrained are believed to be the proceeds of crime, and anyone profiting from the sale of illicit drugs can expect to see their assets restrained or forfeited.

“We will continue to use all available tools to disrupt criminal organisations who profit from this offending, and from the harm caused by illicit drugs in our community,” Detective Inspector Sheridan says.

The operation began in March 2024 and has involved hours of planning, resources, and work by a number of Police staff.

Police cannot rule out further arrests and charges.

Whanganui Area Commander Inspector Neil Forlong says the arrest of so many leaders of the Hells Angels will have a huge impact on the community.

“This gang has been a part of the fabric of Whanganui for years, and the generational harm they have caused is significant.”

However, it is important to remember what comes next, once gang leaders have been arrested.

“The very fact this gang has been part of so many lives means we need also to take care of those who have relied on the gang’s activities for so long – partners, children, now all need support.”

Local agencies will help assist whanau and loved ones impacted by these arrests, to ensure they have support moving forward.

Inspector Forlong says local iwi leadership has spoken to him about introducing a meth harm reduction programme in Whanganui, which Police would be supportive of.

All those arrested have appeared today or are appearing in court in coming days, in Whanganui, Palmerston North, Hastings, and courts in Tamaki Makaurau.

SIGNIFICANT ARRESTS

A 35 year old Whanganui man, and a 35 year old Whanganui woman are each charged with:

• 3x Importing cocaine
• 4x Importing methamphetamine
• 3x Possession of meth for supply
• Possession of cocaine for supply
• Conspiracy to supply methamphetamine
• Participating in an organised criminal group.

A 30 year old Whanganui man is charged with:

• 3x Importing cocaine
• Importing methamphetamine
• Conspiracy to supply methamphetamine
• 2x Possession of meth for supply
• 2x Possession of cocaine for supply
• Supplying cocaine
• Participation in an organised criminal group.

ENDS

Issued by Police Media Centre

Source: New Zealand Police

Attributable to Superintendent Lane Todd, Canterbury Metro Area Commander,

Christchurch Police have swiftly targeted retail crime offenders following the launch of the new Retail Crime Team in the city, with a number of recidivist offenders arrested and charged.

Since the establishment of the team on 14 July, the Retail Crime Team’s work has contributed to 14 offenders arrested and a total of 93 charges laid.

“These results highlight the hard work of our frontline staff, alongside the work with community and business partners, retailers, and members of the public.

“We have seen first-hand how the new teams are already making a difference in how people feel around the city, and it is great to see.”

In one instance, a 31-year-old woman was arrested and charged after having been identified to have committed around 24 dishonesty offences including theft, shoplifting, and trespassing.

The woman is remanded in custody and is due to reappear in Christchurch District Court on 13 August.

In a separate incident, a retail employee reported a shoplifting incident that occurred at their store. Thanks to the crucial information provided, Police identified, located, and summonsed a 31-year-old man to court.

The man is due to appear in Christchurch District Court on 19 August, appearing on four counts of shoplifting. Further charges are being considered.

This shows the importance and impact of Police making strong connections with business owners, retailers, and the public – which is a part of our focus on the frontline.

“It also emphasises that when teams like the Retail Crime Team and Community Beat Team work together, we can achieve long-term change and solutions which address the underlying causes for this type of offending.

“We are committed to ensuring retailers and the wider public feel safe and are safe, but we cannot do this alone.”

If you see any unlawful or suspicious activity, please contact Police. When a report is made, it builds a picture of where we need to be to ensure the community is safer.

If it is happening now, or you have immediate concerns for you or someone else’s safety, call 111.

Information after the fact or in non-emergencies can be reported online at 105.police.govt.nz, clicking “Make a Report” or by calling 105.

Information can also be provided anonymously through Crime Stoppers on 0800 555 111.

ENDS

Issued by Police Media Centre

Source: New Zealand Police

Police are appealing for any information that could help locate the vehicle pictured, or any witnesses that may have information, following an aggravated robbery of a young person on Friday 18 July.

At around 3pm, Friday 18 July, a young person was assaulted and robbed near the corner of Kendal Avenue and Whitby Street.

The victim sustained minor injuries and is understandably very shaken by this incident.

We would like to speak with the owner of the vehicle pictured, or anyone who may have information about the vehicle, or may have witnessed the incident.

If you have any information that could assist Police, please contact us using our 105 line. Please reference file number 250718/9464.

Information can also be provided anonymously via Crime Stoppers on 0800 555 111.

ENDS

Issued by Police Media Centre

Source: New Zealand Police

Attributable to Senior Sergeant Adam Chambers.

Canterbury Police is pleased to report that a woman reported missing overnight has been found safe and well, thanks to assistance from members of the public.

A 79-year-old woman was reported missing at approximately 7pm on Thursday 24 July. She had left her home in Bishopdale to do some shopping and failed to return.

Police responded immediately, deploying into the Bishopdale and surrounding areas.

Due to concerns for the woman’s welfare and forecast bad weather conditions, Police issued an emergency mobile alert (EMA).

EMAs are public warning messages sent to all enabled cellphones within a specified area. EMAs are used sparingly, when there is immediate concern for a person’s life or safety.

In this instance, a member of the public located the missing woman around 10pm and notified Police, who safely transported her home.

Police would like to thank the members of the public who responded to the alert, checked their properties and actively searched for the missing woman.

ENDS

Issued by Police Media Centre

Source: New Zealand Police

Police can now release the name of the person who died following a crash in Ashburton on Thursday 24 July.

She was 61-year-old Deidre Anne Edwards, from Rakaia.

Our thoughts are with her loved ones at this difficult time.

Enquiries into the circumstances of the crash are ongoing.

ENDS

Issued by Police Media Centre

Source: New Zealand Police

One person has died following the crash last night on State Highway 1/Rakaia Highway.

The two-vehicle crash was reported to Police around 7:20pm.

One person died at the scene, another person has received serious injuries and was taken to Christchurch Hospital.

The Serious Crash Unit attended the scene, and the circumstances of the crash remain under investigation.

ENDS

Issued by the Police Media Centre
 

Source: New Zealand Police

The woman reported missing from Bishopdale, Christchurch has been found and is safe.

She was located by a member of the public, who had received an emergency text alert sent out to advise locals in the area.

Police would like to thank everyone who helped search.

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