Katikati Police Report Rash of Burglaries and Driving Offences

Katikati police have dealt with a busy run of burglaries and driving-related offences across the district in the first half of October, with Sergeant Steve Hindmarsh urging residents to watch out for their neighbours and report anything suspicious.

Among the break-ins, offenders were disturbed at a cool store on Tetley Rd just after 6am on 10 October, where they had broken into a shed and were siphoning fuel from cherry pickers. Two days later, thieves entered the yard of a local mill on Waterford Rd, stealing tools and a maroon-and-white Toyota Hilux that is believed to have been used to ram through two gates on the property. The Boohai Tavern yard was also entered and a rubbish bin stolen; two male offenders captured on CCTV have not yet been located.

On the wilful damage front, a polycarbonate window at the Ōmokoroa Bird Observatory was damaged overnight on 11 October, and a 31-year-old Katikati man was arrested and charged after smashing a large window at the Katikati Subway the same night. A large window was also smashed at the Katikati Subway on 12 October during a separate incident.

Multiple driving offences were recorded over the same period, including charges of dangerous driving, excess breath alcohol, driving while disqualified, and failure to stop for police. Police are reminding the public to call 111 if an incident is actively unfolding, or 105 to report something after the fact.

Originally published in Katikati News (Sun Media).