Taupō Police execute search warrants targeting gangs, man arrested

Senior Sergeant Fane Troy of Taupo Police. Photo / Supplied

Tēnā koutou katoa.

Over the last seven days our Tactical Crime Unit with the assistance of the CIB executed a number of search warrants around the Taupō area. Residents would have seen a large police presence in a couple of streets last Wednesday morning and throughout the week, both in town and also in the rural areas.

We were executing search warrants targeting local gangs and addresses that these groups frequent. These groups in our neighbourhoods make some of our community feel intimidated and unsafe.

With information provided to Police we can collate a number of different sources on intelligence and form a picture of what they are up to. We encourage everyone to do your bit for keeping our community safe.

If you see any suspicious behaviour or anti-social behaviour please report it to us. You can do this anonymously via 0800 555 111 or by calling the Police on 105. Your information may seem very minor but it may be the crucial factor for us to execute a search warrant and get drug dealers or burglars off our streets.

As a result of the calls we have had in the last few months and replies to a profile on the Bay of Plenty Facebook page, public help has assisted in locating and arresting a man. He has been charged with a number of offences including burglary and drug offending. Search warrants were executed at an address where evidence was found of drug dealing in class A drugs. Stolen vehicles were located, as well as property from a number of burglaries.

It can sometimes be a painstaking job to reunite property that is recovered with its owners. We encourage you to list your property with all the serial numbers and identifying features. Photos are also an excellent idea. Look at this website for more information: www.snap.org.nz.

Stay safe, Fane Troy.