Many locals have received the following text message this past week: “NZ Police – your traffic fine ($40) is overdue."

Wānaka acting response manager Sergeant Dylan Hannah-Jones said people all over the country have reported receiving the message, “including our locals here in Wānaka and even our own NZ police officers”.

“The message includes a link that you can click on… but as the saying goes, ‘curiosity killed the cat’. Don’t let this scam kill your bank account,” he said.

Dylan said the message is a phishing scam. 

“These can come in the form of text messages or emails claiming you have an overdue road toll, a fine, a missed parcel or a reminder of a bill you might not have paid – they will almost certainly include a link to click on,” he said.

“The point of the scam is to trick you into providing sensitive information or installing computer malware. Clues it is a scam can be found in similar but fraudulent email or web addresses, incorrect branding or random phone numbers. If in doubt, contact Netsafe or bring it to us to have a look at for you.”

A ute driver making a midnight dash to Makarora “nearly made the ultimate sacrifice” near Camp Stream, Hāwea, over the weekend, Dylan said.

The driver slid off the road, over a wire rope barrier, and plunged ten metres onto the rocky shore of Lake Wānaka. 

“He managed to clamber up the bank to safety, but not after spending several hours in his rolled over vehicle, unseen by passers-by,” Dylan said.

“Another driver on the same patch of road struck an outboard motor that was ‘without-boat’ and lying in the middle of the highway,” he said.

“It is essential that when towing you check that your load is secure.”

Efforts by Wānaka Police to target and arrest thieves have continued with the arrest and charging of a man in relation to 17 incidents of theft from local shops.

“Another thief who had been previously trespassed for stealing, chose to return to the scene of his crimes, causing his victim serious concern and prompting police to take action. He now faces a charge of wilful trespass,” Dylan said.

“We have ongoing efforts to investigate and arrest thieves that operate in our community.”

On Monday morning (July 21) Police Search and Rescue received “a frightened call from an inexperienced hiker near the top of Roy’s Peak who, upon reaching the snowline, found himself in… snow”, Dylan said.

“After some encouragement from other hikers, their fear of slipping was alleviated and [they were] helped down the mountain. 

“Remember, hike to your abilities, prepare for every weather condition and check the forecast before trying to see the sunrise in a snow-storm.”

Dylan said it was a busy weekend in Wānaka with calls to police for “a variety of other issues”. 

“Remember if you’re drinking, plan your trip home in a taxi and if you need us, 105 or 111.”

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

Call 105 for traffic related complaints.

To make an anonymous crime report contact Crime Stoppers.

PHOTO: Supplied