Crimeline: Retail theft on the rise

Supermarket thieves target the ‘nice to haves’

Persistent thieves have been hitting local supermarkets and petrol stations across the Queenstown Lakes District, many just unable to resist that sweet chocolate treat or high-end Bluff oyster.

Retail theft has increased markedly around Queenstown and Wānaka during recent months and acting prevention manager for Queenstown Sergeant Simon Matheson says the culprits are across all demographics and include locals, New Zealand visitors and overseas visitors.

“They’re paying for the necessities like fruit, milk and bread, but taking the nice to haves,” Matheson says. “They’re leaving without paying for extras like chocolate and high-end oysters concealed in recyclable shopping bags, or inside jackets, or pockets.”

Increasing numbers of motorists have also been scarpering from local petrol stations and driving off without paying in what’s become a growing trend, he says.

Matheson says it’s unclear why there’s been such an increase in the past three months. “It’s gotten cold, but town’s not busy and we’re not overrun with domestic or overseas tourists.” He was unsure whether the cost of living was a factor.

Earlier this week he put out a call for the public to report any suspicious or unusual behaviour at retail outlets. “If you see someone leave without paying tell the store staff or attendant, rather than trying to approach them yourself,” Matheson says.

He also warned anyone thinking it was okay to steal a few extras that Police are taking this problem seriously.

“People sometimes think it’s only a small amount and this is a big supermarket, but when it’s an increase across the board like that the supermarkets are losing a lot,” he says.

Items stolen range from $20 worth to several hundred dollars. “In the past we’ve had people leave with full trolleys laden with $400 to $500 worth of groceries.”

He’s warning surveillance and security systems are very good now at detecting theft.

“We’re looking at every incident and when we have footage and registration numbers. Where we can we will take action.”

The consequences range from being let off with a warning if it’s at the minor scale and those responsible are remorseful and willing to pay, to diversion and facing charges in court.

Police net drugs after suspicious early morning behaviour

Suspicious behaviour reported during the early hours at a Queenstown address turned into a mini drug haul for Queenstown Police just before 5.15am on Saturday when they found cocaine, psilocybin (magic) mushrooms and cannabis.

Constable Amanda Shute says a 35-year-old local man was charged with procuring/possessing cocaine, procuring/possessing stimulants and depressants, procuring and possessing cannabis plant and possessing a pipe for cannabis. Police arrived at the address and located two men along with the smell of cannabis. Shute says one of the men allegedly admitted to smoking a cannabis joint and said he had a small amount in his vehicle. Police searched the men and their vehicles and allegedly found cocaine, psilocybin and cannabis.

Assailant restrained by his victims

An angry, 40-year-old Wellington man took on more than he could handle and ended up being restrained by his targets after he’d become aggressive towards a group of men in Searle Lane at 4.20am on Saturday, 14 June. Shute says the man had allegedly begun throwing punches at the group as they attempted to calm him down. Another member of the public intervened and the offender allegedly swung at him, missing him, but striking him in the face with his right elbow. The group managed to take the male offender to the ground, restraining him until Police arrived. He was charged with assault and fighting in a public place.

Repeat female drink driver crashes in Kawarau Gorge – high level

A 43-year-old repeat female drink driver on a zero-alcohol licence allegedly clocked a very high 1197mcg breath alcohol level after crashing her car into a bank in the Kawarau Gorge around 10pm on Saturday, 14 June. Police were called to the single vehicle crash and Shute says they smelt alcohol on the driver. The woman was arrested and charged with driving with an excess breath alcohol – third or subsequent, driving contrary to a zero-alcohol licence – third or subsequent, and carelessly operating a vehicle.

Drink driver

A 42-year-old Auckland man blew 963mcg when stopped by Police on Frankton Road at 8.30am on Friday. He was charged with drink driving and his licence was suspended for 28 days.

Slippery roads warning

Emergency services are warning motorists that the onset of wintry conditions has brought plenty of frost and ice making roads in the basin extra slippery.

Fire and Emergency Otago Lakes Group assistant commander Nic McQuillan is urging people to drive to the conditions and slow down.

“Plan for longer travel times, increase your following distances and please be patient,” McQuillan says.

He’s urging people to drive so that “everyone on the road reaches their destination safely”.

Minor patient airlifted

The Otago Southland Resue Helicopter airlifted one patient to Lakes District Hospital after an accident in the Kawarau Gorge just after 2.20pm on Saturday, 14 June.

A St John Ambulance spokesperson says the patient was in a minor condition.