Crimeline - teens warned about photos
Police are concerned that teenagers as young as 14 and 15, are either falling victim to, or self-circulating sexually explicit images and videos of themselves or others and they’re warning that this can be a very serious criminal offence.
Detective Tim Risstrom says they’ve already dealt with several local cases, and they won’t hesitate to lay charges to stamp out what is becoming a more widespread problem worldwide. He says it’s imperative that these young people and their parents are aware of the implications, and how these can affect a young person’s future. There’s also often bullying associated with the dissemination of such media.
“This negatively affects the mental health and wellbeing amongst our young people,” he says.
Photos and videos of indecent behaviour that end up on social media platforms like Snapchat are becoming more and more common, he says.
“There have been instances of young people sharing these with large numbers of friends at one time. It’s quite horrible for the young person involved,” he says. “Once these are on the internet, they could be out there for life.”
He's urging young people to “think long-term” before sending any indecent images or videos to partners or friends. “Parents need be aware of what their children are sharing on social media platforms and ensure their children are well aware of the possible implications,” Risstrom says.
For more information about keeping your family safe on the internet, visit www.netsafe.org.nz
Vicious downtown assault
Police are warning that vicious downtown assaults will not be tolerated after a young man was knocked unconscious outside Harry’s Pool Bar just before 10.30pm on Saturday, 14 September. He was allegedly struck in the head three times by a 26-year-old local man that he did not know.
Constable Amanda Shute says Police want to hear from the victim who came to and left the scene by the time officers got there. “The victim was believed to have been unconscious for less than a minute and we would really like to speak with him,” Shute says. It’s not known whether the victim suffered any other injuries.
The alleged offender has been charged with assault with intent to injure and was remanded on bail in the Queenstown District Court on 16 September to reappear on 23 September.
“We really ask this victim to come forward by either calling into the Queenstown Police Station or making contact on the 105 Reporting Line, quoting the file – 240915/0391,” Shute says.
Police have some CCTV footage of the assault. “Be warned, Police will be taking action to hold these people accountable,” she says.
Avalanche emergencies averted
Emergency services are commending a quick decision made by Remarkables Ski Area staff on Friday which Wakatipu Alpine Cliff Rescue Group co-ordinator Russ Tilsley says possibly averted a serious emergency.
Heavy snow followed by rapidly warming temperatures posed some serious avalanche risks with NZSki deciding to close the ski area and the road where avalanches had to be triggered before vehicles could pass safely.
Tilsley says NZSki was condemned by people on social media for that decision but instead they should have been commended. Staff had done a lot of avalanche control that morning but that day posed a “unique set of circumstances”.
“There was a lot of new snow with a lot of moisture in it and the temperature rapidly increased by 3 – 4degC by mid-morning,” Tilsley says. “It was the right call in what was a very unusual set of circumstances, and they had to make that call quickly.”
Drunk driver hits parked vehicle
A 34-year-old Queenstown man blew 792mcgs after being stopped by Police in Fernhill at 9.20pm on 13 September when his vehicle collided with the rear of a parked vehicle. Shute says the man’s licence was suspended for 28 days. He has been charged with operating a vehicle carelessly and driving with a breath alcohol level over 400mcgs and will appear in the Queenstown District Court on 4 October.
Other drink driving matters:
26-year-old Queenstown male – 12.26pm, 14 September, 600mcgs. Dealt with in Invercargill District Court.
38-year-old Queenstown male – 4.30am, 14 September, 651mcgs. Appears Queenstown District Court on 4 October.
27-year-old Queenstown male, 5.46pm, 12 September, awaiting blood test results.
Driving while suspended
A 34-year-old Queenstown man was charged with driving while his licence was suspended or revoked after being stopped by Police while allegedly driving in Frankton at 7.55pm on 12 September. He will appear in the Queenstown District Court on 4 October and his vehicle has been impounded for 28 days.
Unlicensed driver
A 25-year-old Queenstown man was charged with being an unlicensed driver failing to comply with prohibition after being stopped by Police in Fernhill at 10.10pm on 12 September. Shute says the man had allegedly previously been forbidden from driving due to not holding a driver’s licence.
