Police hot on the heels of a group of alleged thieves caught up with them on the motorway this morning.

Just after 7am, Police received a report of a theft at a residential property in Mangawhai.

Waitematā North Area Commander, Inspector John Thornley, says the home owner contacted Police after disturbing the alleged thieves.

“The offenders were allegedly targeting tsunami alert speakers on the property, but were unsuccessful.

“Police were provided with descriptions of the alleged offenders, a vehicle registration and direction of travel.

Police have discovered a raft of weapons and drug paraphernalia following a search warrant at a Takapuna property yesterday.

Investigators looking into an incident involving threatening behaviour attended an address on Karaka Street yesterday to make an arrest.

Detective Senior Sergeant Mike Williams, Waitematā CIB, says upon arrival officers located a number of items of interest.

Please attribute to Inspector Danny Kirk, Area Commander for Tairawhiti:

Exceptional work by Police staff has led to two Mongrel Mob members being charged after an incident in Wairoa yesterday afternoon.

Around midday, two Detectives were conducting enquiries at an address on Black Street which was subject to arson attack last week. While on the street, they were alerted to a vehicle of interest.

That same vehicle, then cut in front of a separate patrol unit who was in the area and then failed to stop for Police when signalled to do so.

A rider who fled from Police and recklessly rode through reserves and walkways in South Auckland has come unstuck.

At about 9.15pm, Police observed a motorbike travelling along Great South Road, Takanini with a lapsed licence dating back to 2019.

Counties Manukau South Area Prevention Manager, Inspector Matt Hoyes, says officers attempted to stop the motorbike to enquire into the registration.

“The rider has failed to stop and instead performed a U-turn on Manuroa Road and fled.

Please attribute to Inspector Herby Ngawhika, Rotorua Area Commander:

Police are disappointed that a small number of people needed to be arrested following a tangi in Rotorua today.

Police had an increased visible presence across Rotorua due to the gang tangi taking place, to ensure the safety and wellbeing of the wider community.

Police have been working with whanau over the last few days to ensure a smooth and safe precession today, and a significant majority of attendees behaved in a manner that Police were pleased with.

A pair responsible for an alleged crime spree across the North Island will now face court.

Yesterday afternoon, Police were alerted to a vehicle of interest travelling through Auckland’s east and coming to a stop at Sylvia Park.

Auckland City West Area Investigations Manager, Detective Senior Sergeant Anthony Darvill, says with the assistance of the Police Eagle helicopter officers arrested two people suspected of committing multiple shoplifting offences across the North Island.

Police are working to locate Tuapola Jason Dean Toala, who has a warrant for his arrest and is wanted by Police.

Toala, 21, is wanted in relation to serious charges and is believed to be in the wider Auckland or Northland regions.

It’s believed he is actively avoiding Police.

If you have seen Tuala or have any information that may assist in locating him, please update us online now or call 105.

Please use the reference number 250911/1401.

Alternatively information can be provided anonymously to Crime Stoppers on 0800 555 111.

ENDS.

Attributable to Detective Inspector Joel Syme:

Police acknowledge the verdicts handed down today in relation to the murder of Anaru Moana in December 2021.

Three men were found guilty of murder and one woman was found guilty of being a party to injuring.

Attributable to Police Commissioner Richard Chambers:

The conduct of Mr Jevon McSkimming was disgraceful and it is right he has been held to account for it.

The outcome shows all police, no matter their rank, are accountable to the laws that apply to us all.

Mr McSkimming’s behaviour was not only criminal, but goes against the core values of Police.

I will not allow this to tarnish my staff, who are as appalled by this as I am. This shameful episode has done their dedication an immense disservice.