Crimeline

Police have been cracking down on some unruly drivers during the past week, who, in two cases, have allegedly put themselves and roadworkers at huge risk.

Sergeant Tracy Haggart says thanks to quick action from members of the public, and roadworkers, some more serious outcomes have been averted.

Smashed through roadworks

A 26-year-old male drink driving offender living in Queenstown is facing six charges, including dangerous driving, driving contrary to his alcohol interlock licence, refusing a blood test, resisting Police, possessing an offensive weapon, and failing to give details.

The man allegedly drove a Toyota Hilux through Frankton Road roadworks near Suburb Street at 2.14am on 15 March, taking out road cones and damaging temporary traffic lights, Haggart says.

His 29-year-old Queenstown male passenger was allegedly hanging out the window. “The vehicle was located a short time later in a nearby street,” she says.

They’d both allegedly gone “to do a runner”.

“The passenger ran off and was located on a nearby property and has been charged with aiding and abetting, unlawfully being in an enclosed yard and obstructing Police.”

The driver suffered minor injuries and was taken to Lakes District Hospital where he allegedly refused a Police request for a blood sample. The pair were dealt with and bailed through the Registrar’s Court.

The driver will appear in the Queenstown District Court on 22 April 22, the passenger on 12 April.

“We were notified of this through a complaint from the roadworks staff.”

Roadworks roll

A 52-year-old Dunedin male driver will face a careless driving charge after his car rolled onto its roof when he allegedly lost control on a bend in roadworks near the Kawarau Bungy Bridge in Gibbston Valley at 7.50am on 16 March.

“Speed appears to have been a factor with the driver losing control on a bend, hitting a road sign and tipping the vehicle over,” Haggart says.

The driver was taken to hospital with minor injuries and his Dunedin male passenger escaped largely unscathed. He’s been

summoned to appear in court at a future date.

Four times legal limit

A 30-year-old Gisborne male produced a breath alcohol level of almost four times the legal limit when a member of the public reported a driver swerving in the Frankton Road area at 12.25am on 18 March.

“He was found in Stewart Street, Frankton, where he produced a breath alcohol level of 798mcgs,” Haggart says.

“He was dealt with in the Queenstown District Court on 19 March and sentenced to an $850 fine and disqualified from driving for six months.

“We really appreciate members of the public calling these people in and we do our best to apprehend the offenders,” Haggart says.

Police receive a lot of calls about unruly driving, sometimes the drivers are just not used to New Zealand roads or are passing in dangerous places. Sometimes they’ve crossed the centre-line because they’re looking at the scenery, or because of alcohol, she says.

“Drivers are expected to comply with roadworks signs. When they’re driving in loose gravel the safety of the public and roadworks staff is at huge risk.”

Driving while disqualified

A 30-year-old Arrowtown male driver was stopped by Police in Cotter Ave at 2.15pm on 14 March and charged with driving while disqualified. The vehicle was impounded, and he will appear in court on 12 April.

A driver under 20 was also processed for driving with an excess breath alcohol level and issued with an infringement notice.

Ballarat Street burglary

Police are still looking for a man they believe can assist with their investigations into a burglary at a Ballarat Street business on 16 March when a door was possibly kicked in, a rubbish bin thrown inside, and rubbish strewn around.

Nothing appears to have been stolen. “We believed from CCTV footage that a person has gained entry.”

If you recognise the man or can assist, contact Police on 105 and reference file number 240316/3851.)

Wayward wanderer

An intoxicated wayward wanderer lost his way home around 11.45pm on 16 March and was found trying to get into a Ballarat Street unit, while trying to locate his own. Haggart says the man eventually found his own home. “We quite often get those.”

Family violence support

Police also get their fair share of callouts to family violence situations, often involving visitors to the area, Haggart, also the Police family harm coordinator, says. “Quite often in Queenstown there’s alcohol involved too.”

“If people are feeling the pressures in their relationships or family life, around money, or for any other reason, even just finding themselves arguing a lot, and they want to seek help there are some great support services here to talk to,” Haggart says.

Police are always happy to chat if help is needed and when there’s psychological or physical abuse people should talk with family and friends, or definitely come to Police, she says.

“Even if people just want advice, they don’t have to deal with it alone.”