Just as Santa gets his suit back from the dry-cleaners and he waxes the skids on his sleigh, local Police continue to deal with a few incidents around the town.

On Monday 14 December there was a burglary at The Catch in Ardmore Street. A local man with a liking for bacon and Pepsi was arrested and he heads off to Court for a chat with the Judge.

Another burglary was reported by the owner of a Parry Crescent, Hawea, address, on arrival at his holiday home. Police were able to notify the owner of the offender’s identity when the matter was reported due to recent similar events in the area.

On Thursday 17 December a male was spoken to by Police at the Albert Town Campground in relation to shooting an air-rifle near tents and some advice passed on about safety.

On Friday 18 December Police were advised that the Wanaka Gun Club had been broken into. Fortunately firearms and ammunition are not stored on the property, enquiries are continuing. Please call us if you have any information regarding this. You can contact Crime Stoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or call us on 105.

On Saturday 19 December a set of window glass holding bars off a vehicle left on the roadside in Warren St were discovered missing, anyone knowing the whereabouts of the bars is asked to call Wanaka Police.

Police attended a fight on Brownston Street on Saturday evening where two males denied entry to a bar became argumentative. Remember that entry will be denied into bars if you show signs of intoxication.

Also that night, a male was discovered asleep on Lakeside Road and was close to being run over. A reminder to arrange transport into town AND back home at the end of the night. A French National was processed for Drink Driving that night, the reading being very high - an instant 28-day suspension as well as a Court appearance.

Finally - the two young men that found the iPad last Monday and by using their IT skills advised the owner of its whereabouts deserve the ‘Key to Wanaka’ (free ice-creams) for a day for their kind deed. The owner was most impressed. Well done guys!!

We want to use this time to remind everyone to lock their doors at night. We continue to attend jobs where people are being woken in the middle of the night to strangers in their homes, where alcohol or drugs have left the member of the public confused and unable to find their way home and try their luck at the first door they find unlocked.

A reminder that everything should be in moderation, including alcohol which causes most of our harm at this time of year. Respect your neighbours and all the other people in town during Christmas/New Year and be kind to all.

Mihi Kirihimete from the Wanaka Police.