Total damage of Whangarei tyre slashing spree yet to be tallied

The total damage caused during a Whangārei tyre slashing spree has yet to be finalised as police appeal for reports of damage and any information which could lead to the arrest of those responsible.

The number of victims involved in the spree over Friday night and early Saturday morning has risen to 64.

Complaints have been received from those living in Kamo, Maunu, Kensington, Onerahi and Ruakākā.

Police were still adding up the total number of vehicles that were vandalised but said a few trailers were also included.

Whangārei police area prevention manager Senior Sergeant John Fagan said police had noted plenty of commentary on social media about the offending but were keen to hear from those with specific information about the identity of the offender or offenders.

Officers investigating the crimes were contacting businesses and others who had CCTV to see if footage could show who was involved.

"At this stage we are keeping an open mind as to how this offending was committed, and who and how many people are involved will obviously be part of our inquiries.

"We are still asking those people who haven't reported their damage to their vehicle to do so. We know this offending has impacted a lot of people and families. We would like to hear from any person who has information that would help us solve this offending."

Fagan said police had not totalled the exact amount of damage but said it was considerable.

"We are heartened to see various tyre dealers providing discounts to the victims and in some cases providing free secondhand tyres which still have a bit of life left in them."

Whangārei's Bron Kaipo posted on Facebook saying she was finding it hard to understand why people hurt others for no reason.

"It may not have been physical but the after-effects cause so much stress on families which then make them physically sick often putting them in hospital.

"With everything being so expensive most whanau struggle on a day to day basis just to make ends meet for kai, fuel, etc. To hear the devastation of tyre slashing happening to whanau is sickening."

If you can help police identify those responsible contact Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111, or David Hamilton at Whangārei police station on (09) 430 4500.