Wānaka Police have dealt with a range of incidents over the past week, from drink driving and driving while suspended to theft and fraud complaints.

Over the weekend, police stopped a driver who returned a breath alcohol reading of 745 micrograms per litre - nearly three times the legal limit.

“If you are going out drinking, have a plan on how you are going to get home,” Wānaka Police PST Sergeant Darren Cranfield said.

During the week, a disqualified driver was stopped while operating a company vehicle. They are due to appear in court next week.

“Police continue to encounter drivers who have been suspended due to excessive demerit points,” Darren said. 

“This remains an ongoing issue, and it appears some motorists are not learning from past mistakes.”

Another driver has been charged with reckless driving and failing to stop for police in relation to an incident in Dunedin several weeks ago, he said.

In a separate matter, police are investigating a report from a member of the public who saw two girls following a courier vehicle after a parcel was delivered.

“At this stage it is unclear why the girls were at the property,” Darren said.

Wānaka Police, with the assistance of the Queenstown Search and Rescue team, recently conducted a search for stranded people on the Earnslaw Burn Track. 

“We remind the public to be well prepared when venturing into alpine or backcountry areas,” Darren said. 

“Always carry appropriate equipment, have the necessary experience for the conditions, and ensure you have a ‘Plan B’ should your original intentions become unachievable.”

Elsewhere, a person was arrested and charged with theft by a person in a special relationship and will appear in court next week. Another individual has been charged with demanding with menace and will also appear in the Queenstown District Court next week.

Finally, Wānaka Police continue to receive reports of online fraud on a near-daily basis.

“We urge the public to remain vigilant when providing bank account or credit card details to people they do not know,” Darren said.

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

Call 105 or use 105 Police Non-Emergency | New Zealand Police to make a non-emergency report. 

To make an anonymous crime report contact Crime Stoppers.

PHOTO: Wānaka App