Police investigating arson and other offending at Ōrewa businesses
Police have commenced an operation on the Hibiscus Coast into a fire deliberately lit at a cafe over the weekend. It comes as Waitematā North CIB continues to investigate another attempted arson and damage at nearby Ōrewa businesses in recent months.
Waitematā North Area Commander Inspector John Thornley says the most recent fire occurred late on Saturday 1 November.
“Operation Governor has been set up to investigate the most recent fire on the main strip in Ōrewa,” he says. “It’s fortunate that no one has been harmed as a result of this fire, which is considered to be deliberately lit.”
Residents can expect to see a larger Police presence around Ōrewa over the coming days.
“I want the community to know that these attacks on local businesses won’t be tolerated and we are working hard to hold those responsible to account,” Inspector Thornley says. “These arsons are not only damaging property, but it’s affecting peoples’ livelihoods, and Police is open-minded about whether any of these incidents are linked.”
It’s highly likely the community’s information may prove pivotal in this investigation.
“We want to hear about any suspicious activity that people might have seen on Saturday night,” he says. “I’m asking anyone with dashcam footage around the Ōrewa township, between 10pm and midnight, on Saturday 1 November to make themselves known to the investigation team.
Anyone with information can update Police online now or call 105 using the reference number 251102/4265.
Information can also be provided anonymously via Crime Stoppers on 0800 555 111.
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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53.1% Yes
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46.9% No
Aucklanders, we want to know: How are you feeling about the current property market?
New Zealand homeowners are now more likely to sell at a loss than at any time since 2013, and if you’re in Auckland or Wellington, the odds are even higher.
But there is a silver lining: buyers are still in a strong position when it comes to negotiating prices.
So we’re curious…
How are you feeling about the current property market?
If you’re keen to dive into the details, Deborah Morris breaks down all the latest insights.
‘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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