Jumping in the river in an attempt to flee from Police quickly turned to instant regret for a Whangārei woman.

At about 3.45pm on Thursday, an off duty officer spotted a woman wanted to arrest at the Whangārei Aquatic Centre.

Whangārei-Kaipara Area Commander, Inspector Maria Nordstrom, says on-duty colleagues were notified, arriving a short time later to arrest the woman.

“It was at this point the woman fled and jumped into the Hātea River in an attempt to avoid being taken into custody.”

Two trolleys’ worth of what could only be described as an epic girls night in, has been denied as two women face multiple shoplifting charges.

The pair of prolific shoplifters were sought by Police over a prior theft when officers spotted them earlier this week.

After making enquiries at their home addresses, Police received information that one of their vehicles had been seen at Sylvia Park.

Detective Senior Sergeant Dean Batey, Counties Manukau East CIB, says Police located the vehicle travelling on Mount Wellington Highway, where it was signalled to stop.

While a Northland man appeared in court facing multiple charges, Police were busy recovering more of the machinery he was accused of stealing.

A 28-year-old from Awarua had been charged over a break-in at the Kaikohe Gliding Club last month, which left the volunteer-run group with a $250,000 repair bill.

The farm worker faced three counts of burglary, two charges related to the theft of motor vehicles, one charge of intentionally damaging five gliders, and one charge of unlawfully taking a motor vehicle – the club’s tractor and mower – which was yet to be located.

Police can advise a 61-year-old woman earlier reported missing from Waiheke Island has been located safe and well.

Police would like to thank the public for their assistance.

ENDS.

Amanda Wieneke/NZ Police

Police can now provide an update regarding the investigation into the deaths of 18 goats at a Pōkeno property last week.

Further investigations have taken place and Police have since established that it’s likely the goats have not been shot, but instead attacked and killed by dogs.

Counties Manukau South Area Investigations Manager, Detective Senior Sergeant Natalie Nelson, says although initial information suggested the goats had been shot, the investigation has found no evidence a firearm was used.

Please attribute to Wellington District Prevention Manager, Inspector Fleur de Bes:

Police are now able to advise the body found following the search in Karori has been formally identified as Philip Sutton.

Our thoughts and sympathies are with Philip’s family and friends at this difficult time.

Philip’s death has been referred to the Coroner.

Note to editors:

Mr Sutton’s family have indicated they do not wish to speak with media, and we ask that their wishes are respected.

ENDS

Issued by Police Media Centre

One person has died following a serious two vehicle crash on SH29 in Lower Kaimai this morning.

Emergency services were called to the crash near the intersection with Valley View Road at around 5.50am.

Sadly, one person was located deceased.

The road was closed while the Serious Crash Unit conducts a scene examination, however is now open.

ENDS

Issued by Police Media Centre

A fourteenth arrest has been made under Operation Beverly, the investigation into historical sexual offending at Dilworth School.

The 66-year-old man had been sought by the investigation team for a number of years and had been offshore.

Detective Inspector Scott Beard says the man was arrested in Blenheim today.

“I can confirm that this individual returned to New Zealand last week and has been engaged by a member of the investigation team on his arrival,” he says.

“He has been spoken to today and has now been arrested and charged.”

The release issued at 3.34pm today has been updated to correct the location where the Suzuki Swift was found.

About 11am, the car was found in Karori Stream, about a kilometre from where it had been parked before flooding started.

The Police search team discovered the body of a man on the South Coast near the mouth of the stream about 12pm.

ENDS

Issued by the Police Media Centre

One person has died following a serious crash in Dacre this morning.

Police were called to a two vehicle crash on State Highway 1 near Kerr Road at around 8.10am.

Sadly, one person was located deceased at the scene.

The road remains closed while the Serious Crash Unit conducts a scene examination.

Motorists are asked to avoid the area and expect delays.

ENDS

Issued by Police Media Centre