Central Hawke’s Bay Police arrest man after a spate of burglaries

Central Hawke’s Bay Police have arrested a 39-year-old Waipawa man in relation to a number of recent burglaries in the area.

The man was arrested in Hastings and remanded in custody to appear in court in September.

Police remind CHB residents to lock their vehicles and properties, including garden sheds and garages, and to remain vigilant.

Some time over the past two weeks a vacant property on Pōrangahau Rd was entered and fixtures taken, including light fittings and blinds. Police are asking anyone with information to contact their non-emergency number, 105, or anonymously contact Crime Stoppers at crimestoppers-nz.org, phone 0800 555 111.

Police responded to an incident on Sunday after a van full of RSE workers became lost in Waipukurau, ending up in a small cul-de-sac where the van was attacked with bottles and a baseball bat. The van’s windows were smashed and the baseball bat was thrown into the vehicle. Police are asking for witnesses to come forward.

While attending a domestic violence incident in the Pukeora area on Sunday, police observed ammunition on a table which led to them returning with a search warrant and seizing a military semi-automatic rifle and ammunition. A 37-year-old man has appeared in court in relation to the incident.

Drink driving remains a problem in the district, with police stopping impaired drivers almost daily. One driver was stopped on Friday afternoon with a breath alcohol reading of 1196 micrograms of alcohol per litre of breath – more than four times the legal limit of 250mcg.

Family harm incidents are also of concern, with incidents reported daily: four incidents were reported on Tuesday morning alone, says CHB Police.

If you or anyone you know are at risk of violence in the home please contact police. If there is immediate risk, phone 111.