Wānaka Police have had another busy week in the Cardrona Valley with ice related crashes, including a vehicle rolling, Wānaka acting response manager Sergeant Dylan Hannah-Jones said.

While police were attending one crash they were advised of another car on fire at the Crown Range summit, Dylan said.

“Police arrived to find a Mazda Demio sized fireball and its driver left out in the cold, unharmed and supported by members of the public,” he said.

“Fire crews arrived from Arrowtown and did a great job putting the fire out.”

Three drunk drivers were apprehended over the weekend with high alcohol level readings over 700mg/L, Dylan said. 

“One driver nearly five times over the limit ran out of talent near the Albert Town bridge, driving into the back of another motorist like they weren’t there,” he said. 

“That driver has since appeared in Queenstown District Court and [been] convicted.”

Police have noticed an increase in the use of Surron electric dirt bikes on public roads, Dylan said.

“Reports made to police suggest that they are sometimes being ridden by kids, dangerously and at high speed. The use of these types of electric dirt bikes on the road is illegal and the risks are obvious. We encourage the public to report the use of these bikes to police so we can help prevent a serious crash from taking place.”

Wānaka Police arrested a man wanted for a string of nine shoplifting incidents last week, and have more shoplifters under investigation. 

“Wānaka Police won’t tolerate thieves operating in our community and will have no hesitation in arresting and charging people.”

The Wānaka Police Station has had more than 15 high value items handed in, including wallets and mobile phones, with many finding their way back to grateful owners, Dylan said. 

“Great to see that kind of honesty and helpfulness.”

“We continue to get reports of ski and snowboard gear getting stolen from cars,” he said, and reminded people to lock their roof racks if they intend on parking up with their ski gear on the roof.

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