A fleeing offender’s attempt to ditch a firearm and hide from Police under a bed has come off second best.

Early this morning, around 1.30am, officers observed a vehicle allegedly travelling at speed on the Northern Motorway near Puhoi.

No pursuit was initiated, however Waitematā North Area Prevention Manager, Inspector Nina Pedersen, says the vehicle was confirmed as stolen.

“The vehicle continued on at speed before exiting at Ōrewa and carrying on through Silverdale and south to Albany where the Police Eagle helicopter had taken over tracking.”

Police are seeking the public’s help to identify the person pictured in these images.

We believe they may be able to assist us with our enquiries into scrap metal thefts from a commercial premises in Chapmans Road, Woolston on Thursday 27 November.

If this is you, or you know who this person is, please update us through 105 either online or over the phone.

Please use the reference number 251128/0062.

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

ENDS 

Issued by Police Media Centre

Police can now advise one person has died in a crash on State Highway 5, Tapapa this morning.

The single-vehicle crash was reported to Police at 10.45am.

The road remains closed while the Serious Crash Unit examines the crash scene.

ENDS

Issued by Police Media Centre. 

To be attributed to Acting Inspector Mel Robertson, Area Prevention Manager: 

Invercargill Police are investigating the theft of a number of burial plaques from grave sites at St Johns Cemetery. 

The plaques were stolen between 28 October and 22 November 2025.

Several of the stolen plaques were taken from the graves of Returned Service personnel who served in the First and Second World Wars, making this a particularly distressing crime for families and the wider community. 

Central District Police are on a mission – to make sure the festive season is merrier by taking impaired drivers off the roads.

As the Christmas period approaches, Central District Police’s Operation Rudolph has taken off, to remind motorists that drinking and driving is simply not okay.

Between Wednesday 26 November to Saturday 29 November, Taranaki road policing staff tested more than 18,000 drivers.

Manawatū Road Policing Services Team Leader Senior Sergeant Andy Reid is urging all motorists to take responsibility in keeping the roads safe.

Police are asking for the public’s help finding Metallica, who has been reported missing from the Manurewa area.

The 13-year-old was last seen at about 8.45am on 14 November.

Metallica is described as about 160cms tall with long black hair.

She is known to frequent the Wellsford area.

If you have seen Metallica or have information that might help us find her, please call 111 and quote reference number 251114/0125.

ENDS.

Holly McKay/NZ Police