Hamilton Police have arrested and charged a 26-year-old woman after an investigation targeting recent online marketplace scams. 

Detective Sergeant Logan Oliver says Police launched an investigation after having received several reports of similar scam-related incidents. 

“It is believed marketplace sellers have met with the woman, who has then allegedly provided fake bank transfers to purchase and receive the item.”

Following enquiries, Police identified and located a 26-year-old woman where she was taken into custody.

Attributable to Inspector Phil Ward, Acting Manawatū Area Commander:

One person has been taken into custody following an earlier Police operation.

At around 11:50am, emergency services were called to an address on Whangaehu Village Road, north of Marton following reports of a serious assault. 

The victim was transported to hospital in a critical condition.

The alleged offender left the scene in a vehicle before Police arrival.

Southland Police have arrested and charged four people in connection to an alleged assault at a hotel in Mataura on 27 June. 

Detective Senior Sergeant Greg Baird says the assault took place in the hotel carpark just before midnight.

“Police staff, assisted by the Armed Offenders Squad, executed a number of search warrants in Mataura on 3 July.

“CCTV footage of the incident has assisted our enquiries to date.”

Police are appealing for any witnesses, or anyone with footage of the incident, to please come forward.

Police are seeking sightings of Nikora Geros-Nikora as part of an investigation into a violent aggravated robbery at a bar in Three Kings earlier this month.

A warrant to arrest has been issued for the 19-year-old man following the 5 July incident at the Brass Boxer Sports Bar.

Detective Senior Sergeant Anthony Darvill, of Auckland City West CIB, is appealing for anyone with information on the whereabouts of the man to come forward.

“Members of the public are advised not to approach Mr Geros-Nikora directly.

Police have charged a man after locating a large amount of drugs and cash during a traffic stop in North Dunedin last night. 

Around 10.30pm, Police saw a suspicious vehicle driving around the North Dunedin student area, where hundreds of students were believed to be celebrating Re-O’ Week. 

Since becoming operational across New Zealand from July 1, every driver can expect to be tested at the roadside anytime and anywhere for recent use of drugs. 

Police prioritises the safety of everyone on roads, and with the growing trend of drivers who take drugs and then are involved in deaths or serious injuries, this is a welcome additional tool to detect and deter drivers from causing harm on our roads. 

The 18-year-old woman reported missing from Torbay has been located safe and well.

Police thank those who have provided information that assisted in locating her.

ENDS.

Amanda Wieneke/NZ Police 

Two men have been arrested and charged after allegedly defrauding a vulnerable person out of a significant amount of money in the Bay of Plenty. 

Detective Senior Sergeant Mark Van Kempen says the victim was manipulated into withdrawing cash from his bank account and handing it over as part of an elaborate scam. 

“Scammers are highly convincing and often prey on people when they are vulnerable or under pressure,” Detective Senior Sergeant Van Kempen says.