Crimeline: Night-time patrollers warn downtown revellers
Queenstown’s downtown volunteer Community Patrollers are warning those heading into town for a night out to “keep themselves safe” with the winter ski season approaching.
“People need to be conscious of where they’re going and wear warm coats and jackets, be aware and not leave their cellphones in bars or food outlets, and lock up their vehicles,” Queenstown Community Patrol chairperson Gary Lonsdale says.
“We sometimes see vehicles with windows down, or unlocked, with good skis inside,” Lonsdale says. “Always park under lights if you can. Be secure.”
He urges people to “look after each other” and always ensure one member of the group stays reasonably sober. “Coming into the ski season there will be opportunists preying on young people for nice expensive jackets and fancy shoes,” Lonsdale says. “Don’t try to defend yourself or be brave. Seek help and keep safe.”
He says there’s usually a good Police presence downtown at night which is a good deterrent to troublemakers. “The Police do a good job.”
Patrollers also notice a lot of people walking home dressed completely in black, especially along Frankton Road and beyond Frankton to Lake Hayes, who may have missed a bus or opted to walk. He advises them to have a cellphone light on or wear brighter clothing if walking on open roads at night.
The Patrol – the “eyes and ears for Police on the street”, are desperately seeking new members, Lonsdale says. “We need new people to help keep the community safe on Friday and Saturday nights for a few hours before midnight.”
Anyone who can help is urged to contact Gary on 0272247977.
Aussie groper charged
A 48-year-old Australian man was charged with indecent assault after grabbing a woman’s right buttock and squeezing it as she walked past a restaurant table he was sitting at on Steamer Wharf at 11.15pm last Wednesday, 21 May. The man appeared in the Queenstown District Court and was remanded on bail until 3 June.
Region-wide repeat offender found in Queenstown
A repeat Queenstown-based offender allegedly linked to multiple dishonesty offences throughout the Southern District was remanded in custody after a search warrant was executed locally locating him, Constable Amanda Shute says. Multiple items of interest have been seized, and enquiries are ongoing.
Forbidden drink driver
A 52-year-old Queenstown man, previously forbidden from driving, blew 680mcg when stopped on Frankton Road shortly before 1am on Saturday, 24 May. He was charged with failing to comply with being an unlicensed driver failing to comply with prohibition and drink driving. His vehicle was impounded and licence suspended for 28 days. He will appear in the Queenstown District Court on 6 June.
Upturned kayaks prompt rescue call-out
Police, the Otago Southland Rescue Helicopter and St John Ambulance all responded after reports of upturned kayaks seen in the Kawarau River at 4.45pm on Saturday, 24 May. A St John spokesperson says and ambulance and helicopter responded to a ‘water incident’ near Rafters Road, Gibbston, but in the end their assistance wasn’t required. Shute says Police attended, but upon arrival the kayakers had been reunited with their craft.
The Rescue Helicopter also responded to a fall on the Glenorchy-Paradise Road-Nereus Way, Glenorchy, at 3pm on Saturday, 24 May, airlifting a patient in a moderate condition to Southland Hospital.
Arrow Junction crash
Police also attended a single-vehicle crash on the Lake Hayes-Arrow Junction Highway at 7.20am on 23 May and the road was temporarily closed. One person was believed to have been taken to Lakes District Hospital in a moderate condition.
