Bay of Plenty Police have intercepted and disrupted multiple planned anti-social road user gatherings overnight with arrests, impounds, and infringements issued.

A significant number of anti-social road users travelled from Hamilton, Rotorua, and other areas to congregate in Tauranga for planned meet-ups.

Over the course of the operation, more than 100 Police staff were out on the roads, conducting checkpoints throughout the wider Tauranga area.

The Police Eagle Helicopter was deployed to assist, providing crucial information to staff on the ground.

The man sought by Greymouth Police in relation to an assault on 8 August is now speaking with Police.

Thanks to media and the public for sharing our appeal.

ENDS

Issued by Police Media Centre

The man sought by Greymouth Police in relation to an assault on 8 August is now speaking with Police.

Thanks to media and the public for sharing our appeal.

ENDS

Issued by Police Media Centre

The woman in her 70s who was reported missing this morning from Taupō has been found and is safely back with her family. 

ENDS 

Issued by Police Media Centre

A strong Police presence in Manawatū overnight saw officers spoil the intentions of anti-social road users, and issue dozens of infringements.

Operation Purple – supported by staff from Whanganui, Taranaki, Wellington, and Hawke’s Bay – saw at least 250 breath tests conducted, and successfully prevented the activity from causing potential further harm and distress.

Manawatū Area Prevention Manager, Inspector Ash Gurney, says staff pulling together from multiple districts, along with quality planning, is what really set the operation up for success.

Police are still seeking the public’s help in locating Jared, who was reported missing from the Thames area on Tuesday (26 August).

The 35-year-old was last seen on Sunday morning (24 August) leaving his home address on Waiomu Valley Road. Jared was heading towards the Coromandel, but he never returned home.

Over the weekend, Thames-Coromandel bach owners, hunters, trampers and campers, might see Jared or his vehicle.

Jared is thought to be driving a black 2018 Mitsubishi Triton, registration number: LKK544.

Please attribute to Detective Sergeant Phil Wilkinson:

Police have charged a 17-year-old male with murder, following the death of a man in Trigg Ave, Rotorua on Wednesday 20 August.

The male appeared in the Rotorua Youth Court today, and has been remanded in custody until his next appearance on 12 September.

Three other people, aged 19, 20 and 64 were earlier charged with assault with intent to injure and possessing offensive weapons.

We would like to thank the members of the public who have come forward and provided information.

Two men have been arrested after West Coast Police found three firearms, a cannabis grow room, drug paraphernalia and stolen property.

As part of a pre-planned operation, two warrants were executed in the Hokitika area about 7:30am on Wednesday (27 August).

Police located three firearms, a cannabis grow room, dried cannabis, utensils for cannabis and methamphetamine, and stolen property.

“Taking more guns off the streets is a win for our whole community,” says Senior Sergeant Brent Cook, West Coast Response Manager.

Police are continuing to appeal to the public for sightings of missing 39-year-old Aydan, who has not been seen for nearly two weeks.

Aydan was last seen in Chartwell in the early hours Sunday 17 August in Snell Drive, believed to be driving his 2016 Grey Mazda ute, registration QYA209.

Police and Aydan’s family have serious concerns for his wellbeing.

We’re asking any residents of Snell Drive, or the surrounding areas to please check any CCTV or dashcam footage for sightings of this vehicle between 9pm on Saturday 16 August and 4am Sunday 17 August.

Attributable to Inspector Andrea McBeth, Hamilton City Area Commander:

One man has been arrested for stealing a phone off a passerby, cash from one restaurant and attempting to steal cash from another restaurant in central Hamilton yesterday evening.

At about 9.30pm last night Police were made aware of a man who had stolen a mobile phone from a member of the public walking near Alma Street.