Northland news in Brief: Parihaka track work nearly done, strangers scam resident

A helicopter dropping materials for the upgrade of Mt Parihaka Walking Track. PHOTO/JOHN STONE

Track upgrades

Mt Parihaka's Drummond track could be opened by the end of this week, after six weeks of upgrades by Whangarei District Council contractors.

Yesterday a helicopter ferried buckets of gravel from the summit of Mt Parihaka to the crew on the track and was expected to finish by 10am this morning. A final walk through and check would be carried out on the track later today. The Dobbie track is next in line for upgrades, followed by the Ross track. The three tracks are being resurfaced, levelled, and having new steps and drainage installed.

Couple scam elderly man

Northlanders are being warned to be careful of who they let in their homes after a 92-year-old man had his wallet stolen by a couple claiming to need his help. About 9am on Friday an unknown male knocked at the man's door in Haruru Falls requesting water for his car.

The visitor then asked for a cup of tea, which the man gave him, then said his female companion, who had been waiting in the car, needed to use the toilet. The couple left when the man noticed his wallet was missing and confronted them.

Sergeant Ross Laurie, of Kerikeri police, said the offenders are believed to have left in a white vehicle. He urged people to be wary of criminals who preyed on the elderly and about accepting unknown people into their homes. Mr Laurie urged anyone with information about the theft, or who may have seen the couple, to call Kerikeri station on (09) 407 9211.

Burglaries and break-ins

Police are investigating five burglaries, including several car break-ins. Senior Sergeant Brian Swann said the burglaries happened in Raumanga, Kensington, and Kaitaia between Sunday and yesterday afternoon. Several cars parked at residential properties on Mill Rd were broken into, and two houses in Raumanga and Kaitaia burgled.