Police investigating the burglary of a Tītahi Bay store have recovered $12,000 of tobacco products and arrested three young people, thanks to quick-thinking community members.

Members of the public raised the alarm after seeing suspicious activity at the Main Road store about 10.40pm on Thursday. The offenders took off with bags filled with cigarettes, leaving the scene in a waiting vehicle.

Within minutes Police had flooded the area and located three people of interest, said Kāpiti Mana Area Commander Inspector Renée Perkins.

Missing woman Te Anihana Pomana’s family have supplied a new photo for media to use alongside the existing CCTV imagery.

Her family, and Police, would ask media outlets to please also use the attached image in reporting going forward.

Anyone with information that can assist Police is asked to call 105, using reference number 250718/6582 – note, this is the correct file number, an incorrect one was published on Friday.

Urgent information should be called in via 111.

ENDS

Extra Police remain on patrol across Napier, Hastings and Wairoa, as part of a Gang Conflict Warrant in place throughout the Hawke’s Bay.

Overnight Police used the warrant for three vehicle searches and officers arrested a 39-year-old Camberley man for possession of an offensive weapon, Inspector Dean Clifford said.

“Across the Hawke’s Bay, we have a focus on keeping people safe, and Police will continue to have a highly visible presence.

“While there were no major incidents overnight, we remain ready to respond.

A Gang Conflict Warrant is now in place across Hawke’s Bay as Police respond to concerning incidents of gang violence.

Inspector Dean Clifford says the warrant gives Police special powers to search vehicles of suspected gang members, and to seize firearms, weapons, and vehicles.

It comes after two incidents in the last 48 hours believed to involve those linked to the Mongrel Mob and Black Power.

Additional Police staff are being deployed throughout Hawke’s Bay after two serious gang-related incidents overnight.

Police are pleased to invite media to the launch of the Crowded Places Escape, Hide, Tell public information campaign in Wellington on Monday.

Date/time: Monday 8 September, 1.45pm set up for a 2.10pm start.

Who: Associate Minister of Police, Hon. Casey Costello and Assistant Commissioner Mike Johnson will attend and be available for media after their speeches.

We ask media interested in attending to RSVP to [email protected] for further detail. 

ENDS

Issued by Police Media Centre

Police will have an increased presence around Christchurch in the coming days after an unsuccessful attempt to start a fire at a local gang pad.

Flammable projectiles were thrown at the fence of a property on Cuffs Road about 7.30am today.

The fence did not catch fire, causing minimal damage.

Inspector Craig Scott says Police will not stand by as gangs create chaos in our communities.

“While this morning’s incident didn’t result in any significant harm, the violent actions of gangs cause real unease, particularly for any witnesses or those living nearby.