Crimeline: Break-ins, fights and drink drivers

Some unruly visitors in town over the long weekend had Police busy, breaking up fights, chasing down burglars and getting drunk drivers off our roads.

Kelvin Heights neighbourhood targeted by car thieves again

Police want help to catch those responsible after nine vehicles parked in the Poplar Drive / Cedar Drive area of Kelvin Heights were broken into, causing thousands of dollars worth of damage, between 9.30pm, Sunday, 1 June, and 7am, Monday, 2 June. It’s the second time in less than two months the area has been targeted, this time multiple vehicles hit in one household, Sergeant Tracy Haggart says. It appears the vehicles were locked. Windows had either been tampered with or smashed out, as were door locks and handles.

“Once they’ve gained access, they’ve unsuccessfully attempted to get the vehicles started but damaged the ignition barrels, she says. “There’s been significant window and panel damage.” It’s still unclear whether property has been stolen. Police want to hear from anyone who has seen any suspicious behaviour in the area, or has CCTV camera footage from around this time.

“We have obtained a small amount of footage, but inquiries are continuing,” Haggart says. She couldn’t say if this spate may be linked to the recent car thefts nearby in Oregon Drive. Police are warning residents to remove all personal belongings from their vehicles and ensure everything is safe and secure. “Outside lights may be a deterrent as would a security camera.”

CBD shop burgled

Police also want to hear from anyone who noticed any suspicious activity in the Lower Shotover Street, Beach Street around 4am on Sunday, 2 June, after a shop was broken into and cash taken from the till. They’re on the hunt for two males, who were possibly wearing clothing covering their heads, after entry was gained to the premises via a service doorway. Inquiries are continuing to identify the offenders.

Late night assaults and fighting

A 33-year-old man was taken to Lakes District Hospital by ambulance after allegedly being punched in the face by a 20-year-old Winton male at 1.50am on Sunday, 2 June, in Queenstown Mall. Haggart says the two men had begun arguing after being removed from a bar following a disagreement there. The younger male then allegedly punched the victim in the face causing him to fall backwards onto the pavement and lose consciousness, Haggart says.

The man suffered a fracture to his face, was treated, assessed, and cared for in hospital. “He will likely have ongoing issues that he will need to be evaluated for after suffering from a fracture and concussion.” The Winton man was arrested and charged with injures with intent to injure and will appear in the Queenstown District Court on 1 July.

An intoxicated 24-year-old Invercargill man, allegedly trying to pick fights, kicking and punching out at people outside Night 'n Day in Camp Street at 2.30am on Saturday, 1 June, was arrested and charged with assault and disorderly behaviour likely to cause violence. He was confronted by a 31-year-old Kaiapoi woman who attempted to engage in a fight with him. He then picked her up and carried her to an Uber cab, Haggart says. The man will appear in the Invercargill District Court on 25 June, while the woman was given a formal warning for fighting in a public place.

A 33-year-old Queenstown male got off with a warning after he forcibly slapped an 18-year-old Kaikoura male across the face at a convenience store in Camp Street at 1.55am on Saturday, 1 June, “to teach him some manners”, Haggart says. The man’s explanation was that he had taken offence to the younger male’s behaviour.

An 18-year-old Kingston male was charged with assault with intent to injure after allegedly punching a 35-year-old male and causing a cut to his nose at 2.19am in Queenstown Mall on Saturday. 1 June. He will appear in the Queenstown District Court on 1 July.

Five Queenstown and Alexandra males aged from 19 to 28 were warned for fighting in a public place at 9.45pm on Friday, 31 May, in Church Street.

Drink driving

A 47-year-old Cromwell man clocked a breath alcohol level of 1591mcgs at 4.22pm on Sunday, 2 May, on Ladies Mile, after Police received complaints that the vehicle had been swerving across the centre line multiple times through the Gibbston Valley, Sergeant Tracy Haggart says. He was arrested and charged with dangerous driving and driving with an excess breath alcohol level. “He was convicted, fined $1750 and disqualified from driving for 28 days, given an alcohol interlock order and one year’s supervision.”

A 25-year-old Auckland male was charged with refusing to accompany an enforcement officer and possessing cannabis and utensils on 31 May at 5.45pm. He elected for a blood test and Police are awaiting a result. He will appear in the Queenstown District Court on 1 July.

A 46-year-old Auckland male was stopped for speeding on Kingston Road at 3.26am on Saturday, 1 June, and was issued with an infringement notice for speeding and driving with a breath alcohol level (377mcgs) exceeding 250mcgs but not more than 400mcgs.

Last Friday, 30 May, a 31-year-old Queenstown man was also issued with an infringement notice for a breath alcohol level exceeding 250mcgs but not more than 400mcgs after being stopped on Frankton Road at 1.35am.