Crimeline: Four Queenstown suburbs hit in spate of car thefts and break-ins
Four Queenstown suburbs hit in spate of car thefts and break-ins
In what seems to be an ongoing problem Queenstown Police are again chasing the offenders of yet another spate of 11 vehicle break-ins and thefts across four Queenstown suburbs and they’re calling for the public’s help.
Constable Amanda Shute says Police are investigating 11 reports in recent weeks of vehicles being stolen or interfered with around Frankton, Lake Hayes-Shotover Country and Kelvin Heights with the thieves targeting a mix of vehicles.
Shute says it’s believed they’re being stolen for joyrides and a number have since been recovered.
Police believe the incidents are likely linked, and offenders are targeting vehicles that have “little-or-no security”, she says.
“It’s incredibly frustrating for victims, some of whom rely on their vehicles. These thefts are causing upheaval to a number of people’s lives, and we want to put an end to it.”
Earlier this year tradies’ vehicles at Lake Hayes and Kelvin Heights were broken into with windows smashed and in one case thousands of dollars’ worth of irreplaceable tools stolen.
In June 2024 a similar spate of nine vehicle break-ins and attempted vehicle thefts occurred in the Cedar Drive-Poplar Drive area of Kelvin Heights causing thousands of dollars’ worth of damage.
Constable Shute urges people to “take steps to deter thieves”.
“Take items out of your vehicle, and if you can’t afford an alarm, consider inexpensive options like a steering wheel lock,” she says.
She’s also urging people to call 111 if they see suspicious activity, such as people hanging around vehicles or peering through windows, so that Police can direct patrols to the area and “disrupt this offending”.
Police really want anyone with information to “please come forward”.
This can be provided online at 105.police.govt.nz
clicking ‘update report’, or by calling 105. Please use the reference number 260803/6632.
Information can also be provided anonymously through Crime Stoppers on 0800 555 111.
Woman climber seriously injured in 10m Remarkables fall
A seriously injured woman climber was rescued off the front face of The Remarkables after plummeting what’s understood to be 10m just before midday on Sunday, 9 August.
An Otago Southland Rescue Helicopter crew from Heli Otago conducted the rescue using their alpine specialists and paramedics. While the accident occurred outside the skifield boundaries Remarkables Ski Area patrollers also rushed to her aid getting her ready to be winched out.
It’s understood the woman sustained serious back and head injuries in the fall.
Heli Otago managing director Graeme Gales says he didn’t know where the climber was from or if other climbers were with her at the time, but his staff winched her off the mountain and off to hospital.
A St John Ambulance spokesperson says their crew responded to the accident near Wye Creek, treating one patient and transporting them to Lakes District Hospital in a serious condition.
Shoplifting – Night n’ Day
A 63-year-old man was charged with trespass, shoplifting and possession of cannabis after he was allegedly caught shoplifting from Night n’ Day Camp Street at 8.25pm on Sunday, 9 August. Shute says cannabis was allegedly located in the man’s jacket pocket, and he’d previously been trespassed from the same store. He was bailed in the Queenstown District Court on Monday, 10 August, to reappear on 28 August.
Disorder
A 31-year-old Bay of Plenty man was arrested and given a formal warning for disorderly behaviour after allegedly attempting to fight members of the public just after 9.45pm on Friday, 7 August, in Brecon Street. Shute says the man had previously been removed from a bar due to his alleged aggressive behaviour and intoxication.
Drink driving infringement notices:
Driver forbidden from driving for 12 hours, 400mcg, Lake Hayes Estate, 11.40pm, 7 August.
Driver, 390mcg, Peninsula Road, 7pm, 5 August.
