A male approached a five-year-old girl who was at The Warehouse with her mother on Friday (March 14) and “made concerning comments to the young girl and her mother,” Wānaka Police Senior Sergeant Fiona (Fi) Roberts said.

“We are aware of comments being made on Facebook in relation to this incident and encourage the parents of any girls that have been approached to come forward and advise the police as we are trying to identify the male.” 

People can use the online report options on the Police 105 website to make a non-emergency report, or call police on 105 (Ten-Five) 24/7. Quote file: 250318/1509.

On Saturday (March 15) police attended an incident between a car and a bicycle at the Anderson Road roundabout, in which the cyclist received minor injuries.

“Sadly, less than a year ago we attended a fatal [accident] involving a car versus bike less than 50 metres from that location,” Fi said.

“For drivers, cyclists are there to be seen, please take extra care. For cyclists, please ensure that you use lights, especially in poor lighting/nighttime. Wear clothing that enhances your safety, including a helmet.”

On Tuesday (March 11) at approximately 6.30pm police were called to a vehicle collision on the Crown Range. The vehicle was travelling south and hit the barrier. 

“Sun strike may have been a contributing factor. Both driver and passenger were taken to hospital by ambulance,” Fi said.

In other incidents, a 31-year-old male was stopped on the Wānaka/Luggate Highway on March 13, and tested for elevated blood/breath alcohol. The result was 484 mcg. And a member of the public reported that items were stolen from their work vehicle parked on Bernard Road, Albert Town, overnight on Wednesday (March 12).

The Roar season is officially underway, and Fi said police want to ensure “it’s not only a great Roar, but a safe one”.

“Safe hunting has nothing to do with luck, specifically in relation to firearms and backcountry conditions,” Fi said.

She advised hunters to check the weather, then check it again; have a plan for the hunt and give it to someone - especially a ‘due out’ time; ensure you contact that person when you get out to avoid unplanned SAR related call outs; take the right gear for the conditions; have enough food and gear for the trip; take a personal locator beacon (PLB) and a reliable way to communicate.

“The simple message is plan safe, act safe, stay safe,” she said.

• Save the drinks until all the firearms are safely unloaded and locked away
• Treat firearms as loaded
• Safe direction
• Chamber a round only when ready to fire
• Identify your target
• Check your firing zone (what if I miss?)
• Storage and transport firearms safely
• Avoid drugs and alcohol.

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: Wānaka App