Crimeline has changed. This is the first week that the Crimeline report is based on a police media briefing rather than police writing the Crimeline report. From now on Crimeline will be written by the Wānaka App based on a weekly meeting with Wānaka police.

People can expect to see a big police presence in Wānaka over the new year period, Wānaka Police senior sergeant Chris Brooks told the Wānaka App this week.

He said 52 officers will be rostered between December 28 and January 2, an increase of 36 police.

Chris said the focus will be on keeping people safe during New Year’s Eve festivities and at the Rhythm & Alps event in the Cardrona Valley.

“It's a multi-day music event, we know drugs turn up … we're mature enough to know we can't stop it, but we can help minimise it somehow.  

“The conversations with Rhythm and Alps and any other interested parties are really important prior to the event.”

Chris said the objective for police and event organisers is to minimise harm, to ensure everyone has a good time and that visitors and residents enjoy themselves over the holiday period.

Road policing has been an ongoing focus with incidents increasing as the tourist season ramps up.

Chris said the Cardrona Valley Road is a constant focus with regular reports relating to centre lane crossing, speed and cell phone use.

“We are certainly getting a lot of calls for service in the valley,” Chris said.

“One of the issues of course is our visitors are only here for a short time, so being able to educate [visiting] drivers is difficult.”

Drink driving continues to be an issue on our roads with the police ‘Booze Bus’ (Alcohol Impairment Team) catching a man driving on SH6 between Lake Hāwea and Makarora who was drinking while driving. Police found cans of alcohol in his vehicle which they said he was consuming while on the road.

Chris said the team can be “anywhere, anytime”.

In the past week police impounded three vehicles; two were disqualified drivers and one was a ‘boy racer’ caught doing skids and doughnuts in the Hāwea area.

Police performed a controlled purchase operation in Wānaka with several businesses failing to identify an underage person purchasing alcohol. Chris said those licensees have been spoken to and alcohol retailers can expect more spot checks soon.

The Wānaka police rural liaison officers have been busy in the community with a focus on organised crime. Chris said theft, selling petrol, and unlawful hunting can occur in rural areas and officers have also intercepted drugs being transported from Christchurch to Invercargill.

Finally, police are encouraging businesses organising staff Christmas parties to ensure everyone is kept safe and transportation is provided if needed.

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