Attribute to Christchurch Metro Area Commander, Superintendent Lane Todd: 

Five youth have been arrested following a range of offending across Christchurch City today. 

Earlier this morning, Police were made aware of multiple car thefts and reports of dangerous driving around the city. 

At that stage, no injuries had been reported, and Police were actively working to locate the alleged offenders. 

Police have laid charges against a man who allegedly stole plaques with a value over $2000. 

An investigation began after several memorial plaques were removed from central Christchurch mid-August. 

As part of the enquiries, Police appealed for identification of a man, and information from anyone who was in the Latimer Square or Bridge of Remembrance areas on 11 and 12 August. 

Superintendent Lane Todd, Metro Commander, says the team were able to follow several lines of enquiry. 

Police have charged a man following a burglary at a Grafton substation which created a significant amount of damage.

Auckland City CIB has been investigating since a lone offender allegedly entered the facility on Madeira Lane on the morning of 26 September.

Detective Senior Sergeant Martin Friend says the man allegedly targeted copper casings from the substation, which supplies power to separate buildings at an apartment complex.

“While committing his offending the man allegedly created tens of thousands of dollars’ worth of damage.

Attribute to Southern District Commander Superintendent Jason Guthrie:

Police acknowledge the findings by the Independent Police Conduct Authority (IPCA), which found an off-duty officer was justified in his use of force but that his intervention breached Police policy.

Anti-social road user behaviour causes significant distress and damage in our communities, and in this case, our officer intended to hold an alleged offender accountable for their actions.

A man has been charged following damage to election hoardings in the south Auckland area. 

Police have received multiple reports of election hoardings being vandalised in Takanini since early September. 

Inspector Matt Hoyes, Counties Manukau South Area Prevention Manager, says members of the public had allegedly observed a person defacing and removing signs.

“Yesterday, Police sighted a suspect actively vandalising a hoarding on Great South Road. 

“A 34-year-old male was arrested and charged with seven counts of theft under $2000.”

Police have arrested a man on the Southern Motorway after he attempted to flee on foot, near Drury.

Earlier, at around 4pm, Police responded to a 111 call about a black Audi driving erratically on State Highway 2, near Mangatāwhiri. 

Inspector Peter Raynes says Highway Patrol units located the Audi travelling north on SH1 near Bombay.

“The driver failed to stop for Police and has made contact with one of the patrol vehicles, but hasn’t caused any extensive damage,” he says.

“Spikes were successfully deployed, deflating all but one of his tyres.”

A dangerous driver will face court after he allegedly attempted to ram a patrol car while trying to evade Police in Mount Albert. 

A Subaru first came to Police’s attention around 8.15pm on Sunday, after it was allegedly observed speeding along Mount Albert Road. 

As Police approached, the driver attempted to avoid detection by switching the vehicle’s lights off and travelling down a side street. 

Inspector Jacqui Whittaker, Auckland City West Area Commander, says a unit followed behind and signalled for him to stop.   

Police are appealing for information on the whereabouts of James Want, who has an active warrant to arrest by Police.

It is believed he is likely in the areas of Rotorua, Waikato or Counties Manukau. 

Anyone with information on his whereabouts should call Police on 111 if it’s happening at the time, or 105 if it’s after the fact. Please use reference number 260918/9547.

You can also provide information anonymously through Crime Stoppers on 0800 555 111.

ENDS

Issued by Police Media Centre
 

Police are appealing for information on the whereabouts of James Want, who has an active warrant to arrest by Police.

It is believed he is likely in the areas of Rotorua, Waikato or Counties Manukau. 

Anyone with information on his whereabouts should call Police on 111 if it’s happening at the time, or 105 if it’s after the fact. Please use reference number 260918/9547.

You can also provide information anonymously through Crime Stoppers on 0800 555 111.

ENDS

Issued by Police Media Centre
 

Police are appealing for information on the whereabouts of James Want, who has an active warrant to arrest by Police.

It is believed he is likely in the areas of Rotorua, Waikato or Counties Manukau. 

Anyone with information on his whereabouts should call Police on 111 if it’s happening at the time, or 105 if it’s after the fact. Please use reference number 260918/9547.

You can also provide information anonymously through Crime Stoppers on 0800 555 111.

ENDS

Issued by Police Media Centre