Operation Trolley - Rotorua
As part of ongoing work to ensure Rotorua’s community feels safer within the CBD, 13 people were arrested and 45 shopping trolleys have been returned to their respective stores, following a three-day Police operation.
From Tuesday 21 to Thursday 23 January, Police executed Operation Trolley focusing on engaging and educating managers of local businesses and enforcing the illegal actions of people using or having possession of shopping trolleys outside the boundaries of their respective stores.
While being homeless is not a crime in and of itself, Police has recently received complaints in regard to homeless people in possession of trolleys intimidating members of the public and workers as they walk through the CBD.
Any antisocial or unlawful behaviour will not be tolerated, and Police is committed to ensuring anyone going about their lawful business in the CBD are safe and feel safe.
Upon speaking with local retail store and business managers, Police identifid several people using retail store owned shopping trolleys for their personal use without lawful authority.
Police arrested seven people in possession of shopping trolleys for receiving an item worth less than $500. They were all given verbal warnings.
Six other people were arrested for historical offences including theft, assault, arrest warrants, bail breaches, and trespassing.
Police also issued 19 trespass notices, trespassing individuals in possession of a trolley from the trolley’s respective store.
In total, 45 trolleys were returned to their businesses at the end of the three-day operation.
Homelessness is a social problem which requires a joint effort to address the underlying issues. Police works with a number of agencies to understand these issues, support the homeless, and collectively find homeless people long-term solutions.
Poll: Should we be giving the green light to new mining projects? 💰🌲
The Environmental Protection Authority announced this week that a proposed mine in Central Otago (near Cromwell) is about to enter its fast-track assessment process. A final decision could come within six months, and if it’s approved, construction might start as early as mid-2026.
We want to know: Should mining projects like this move ahead?
Keen to dig deeper? Mike White has the scoop.
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53.3% Yes
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46.7% No
Appeal for information following fatal crash: Tāneatua
Police investigating a fatal crash in Tāneatua are seeking further information from members of the public who witnessed the crash, or any movements leading up to the crash, to assist with our enquiries.
Prior to the crash, Police can confirm the red Honda Accord was observed travelling on Reid Road in excess of the speed limit.
A Police vehicle travelling the other direction observed the vehicle at speed, however was unable to locate the vehicle as it travelled towards White Pine Bush Road.
Police believe there were two other vehicles near or on the Pekatahi Bridge at the time of the crash, and we’d like to speak to the occupants of those vehicles to understand what they saw.
Additionally, we’re still seeking information from anybody who saw a red Honda Accord travelling in and around Tāneatua between 5:30pm and 6pm on Tuesday 2 December.
If you have information, please contact Police via 105, either over the phone or online, referencing file number 251202/5566.
‘Tis the season to not get scammed ...
As Christmas gift shopping moves increasingly online, scammers are ramping up their activity across the country.
Dunedin’s Investigation Support Unit is seeing more and more people fall victim to scams and other fraudulent activity, particularly on Facebook Marketplace.
There are a few ways to avoid the scams and keep yourself safe doing online trades this holiday season, says Southern District Service Delivery Manager Senior Sergeant Dalton.
🔒 “A good first step when looking to purchase something on Marketplace is to check when the seller’s Facebook profile was created. If it’s very recent, there is a higher risk that they have just created this account for a one-off fake item.”
🔒 Another important step is to make sure the seller’s profile name and bank account name match up. “We’re seeing a lot of scammers claiming their bank account name is different because it belongs to their partner or family member - that’s a huge red flag."
🔒 “When you’re selling, never trust a screenshot anyone sends you showing that payment has been made. Check your own bank account to make sure a payment has gone through."
🔒 “Quite frankly, it’s best for all parties to agree to pay, or be paid, for items in cash and in-person. Ideally in a public place with CCTV coverage."
🔒 "If you’re buying a car, check Carjam.co.nz to see if it’s stolen or if there’s money owed on it.”
A reminder: Suspicious activity can be reported on 105
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