Kia ora all. Our week was wild and varied as it often is.

On Monday we were involved in the rescue of a hunter who was badly injured in a fall in the Hawea/Dingleburn area. Due to his good preparation, he was able to be rescued quickly with minimal risk to rescuers.

On Wednesday we located a stolen vehicle which was stolen in Cromwell and travelling towards Christchurch. A quick apprehension near Tarras had the vehicle returned to the victim that day.

On Friday night a vehicle was taken from Hedditch Street in Wanaka and crashed a short distance away on Plantation Road. The culprit left the scene after hiding the vehicle in the park. Both of these incidents are timely reminders to take your keys from your vehicle regardless of how brief your departure might be.

Also on Friday night, a driver was stopped for drink driving on Chalmers Street, Wanaka. Their licence has been suspended and they have a date in court.

On Saturday afternoon there was a petrol drive-off at BP. They will be visited by Police shortly and will face some consequences.

On Saturday night a patron at a bar in town was ejected for antisocial behaviour and in the aftermath assaulted two staff members. He was apprehended after leaving to go to another bar. He has been charged in relation to these offences.

Also on Saturday, Police conducted any ‘anytime / anywhere’ operation targeting drink drivers in our town. Some people will report being stopped where they least expected to be. We were pleased with the results, with one driver found over the limit, which is much better than we have seen previously. But one driver leaves room for improvement.

Finally, a quick reminder for all drivers regarding the use of mobile phones. From my observations, members of the public would like the following questions answered.

1) Holding my phone in front of me while I talk isn’t using a phone, is it?

2) Holding my phone as I use it as a map isn’t using a phone, is it?

3) I just like to hold my phone and not use it, so that’s not using a phone, is it?

4) I like to talk on my phone while I drive past the police station. That’s not annoying, is it?

The answer to all is yes, it is. Please keep your attention on the road and off your phones. We’ve delivered that message personally to many people this week.

Have a great week out there and stay safe.