Wānaka Police are reminding residents to lock their homes after a cautionary incident.

Last week police were notified after a person let themselves in through the back door of someone else’s house near the Wānaka CBD, Wānaka Police acting response manager Dylan Hannah-Jones said. 

“While the homeowner got a big surprise, police responded swiftly and determined that the person needed help from the mental health crisis team.”

“Police are grateful for the call as we were able to get that person help.”

It’s “always a good idea” to lock doors and windows, Dylan added.

Dylan issued another reminder, this one in relation to drink-driving.

“Some people are still making poor decisions around drinking and driving with five apprehended in the last couple of weeks – one of whom failed to comply with the procedure and ended up arrested,” he said.

“We would like to remind people that you always have an option that does not involve driving if you have been drinking. 

“Make a plan on how you want to get home before you have those after work drinks or head out for dinner.”

Dylan said Wānaka Police also wanted to issue a warning about ski pass scamming.

“It happens when a scammer purchases a ski pass, on-sells it online and then cancels it before it can be redeemed,” he said.

“We have not had any reports of this taking place this year but did learn of it taking place last year and want to build awareness around it for the 2025 season.

“This is why we discourage people from buying passes from people they don’t know for prices that are ‘too good to be true’.”

Call 111 when you need an emergency response from police, fire or ambulance.

Call 105 to report things that don’t need urgent police assistance.

Call *555 to report road incidents that are urgent but not life-threatening.

To make an anonymous crime report contact Crime Stoppers.

PHOTO: Supplied