Welcome to another new year! And in the worst kept secret ever, Wanaka was busy over the Christmas/New Year period. But we thank our colleagues from Dunedin who joined us for the holiday period, to help keep the community safe.

On Tuesday we dealt with a young lady who threw a glass bottle into a crowd of revellers, causing a victim to require stitches around her eye. Alcohol and age were the primary factors here, which is a trend for this week.

Tuesday night included a disqualified driver who was found driving. His disqualification was a result of some sustained loss of traction earlier in the year. He has lost his girlfriend’s mother’s car!

On Wednesday night a 17 year old drink driver was stopped, ‘sober driving’ her young friends home on Aubrey Road. By the end of the night her name had changed twice, she was now 16 years old, and over the adult alcohol limit.

Thursday afternoon included an intoxicated male being driven around town by a 14yr old chauffeur, prior to giving driving a go himself. He was arrested on a warrant from Hastings and also refused our attempts to take a blood test. He spent new years in the Police Station.

Thursday night was full of energy down on the waterfront. A primary issue was the number of intoxicated young people, some as young as 14. A large number of alcohol infringement notices were issued and many parents called in the middle of the night. We wish the parents were aware where their children were. There were 5 arrests during the night, mostly relating to disorderly behaviour.

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During the night a male was apprehended for selling an array of LSD and Ecstasy from his car at Eely Point. Thank you to the keen eyes of the public who reported this. Given the young people in town, taking this person off the street has helped keep our community safer that night. The offender has a date with the court.

Thursday night ended with a serious family harm incident involving campers in Hawea. The offender was arrested the following day and will appear in court on Tuesday.

On Friday two youths were apprehended at Glendhu Bay Campground, helping themselves to belongings at several sites. They have been referred to Youth Aid.

On Sunday our drink driving friend we arrested on Thursday returned for round two, breaching his bail and continuing to drive while suspended from driving. He was followed to Queenstown and arrested by our colleagues at Queenstown Airport.

Stay safe and enjoy the remainder of the holiday period.