Phone and internet scammers continue to prey on people, and reports continue to come to police of sums of money being lost to these wretches.

Once the money has left your account it is basically gone, and there is very little chance of identifying and prosecuting the offender, so police would like to remind readers to be sensible about discussing any personal or security information with any establishment unless you have made the contact with the establishment yourself.

People continue to put other road users at risk by disregarding the rules relating to driving. Police will not be lenient on any driver offending in relation to restraints, intoxication, distractions or speed.

A multitude infringement notices have been issued over the last couple of weeks to people who have been caught offending. Infringement notices and tickets impose not only a fine, but also impose demerit points against a person’s licence. Once you reach 100 demerit points, your licence is suspended for a period.

Shoplifters still prey on Wānaka businesses. Two recidivist offenders were apprehended after store security personnel reported their behaviour to police. They were located in a vehicle in the Cardrona Valley, and police interviewed them in relation to 17 offences of shoplifting over the last month, and it became very clear that the offenders just didn’t think they would get caught.

They are going to court for their offending, and in addition to fines and reparation that will be imposed, the consequences of their convictions can have an impact on their future employment.

Another recidivist offender was arrested in relation to eight offences in Wānaka and Blenheim.

Drink driving continues to raise its head. A driver drew attention to himself by stopping his vehicle at roadworks in Luggate and abusing the workers. Police located the man and established that the man had a breath alcohol level of 1145mc/L. The legal limit is 250!

That man will be appearing in court for his third drink driving charge.

Another man drew attention to himself by driving a vehicle without a seatbelt and talking on his cell phone. Not only was he breaching these conditions, but was also intoxicated at 10am, returning a result of 660mcg/L. That is a good reminder that alcohol takes up to 12 hours to remove itself from our body. If you party late, don’t drive early.

Two jackets and a United Kingdom (UK) passport were stolen from patrons in a bar. All property was recovered in the next couple of days. Police are making enquiries into this matter, and charges are likely.

Youths were located in a vacant Wānaka family home, using the house for entertainment while the family were away. The home owners are angry at the behaviour. The home was not damaged, and police will be following up with the youths and their parents.

A vehicle was damaged on Hunter Crescent, where windows on the vehicle were broken. Enquiries into this matter are ongoing.

Two out-of-town offenders were apprehended while travelling in our area, involved in drug supply. They were stopped at a breath testing checkpoint but didn’t go far from there. They were quickly relieved of their freedom that night and have been moved out of the area, with court appearances upcoming.

Police were called to a motel to remove a guest after the guest smoked in the room causing the cigarette smell to contaminate the furnishings of the room. This causes significant issues for accommodation providers, as it makes the room unrentable for a couple of days while the room undergoes a deep clean and deodorising. The costs are also chargeable to the guest. It is illegal to smoke indoors in New Zealand in any place other than a home. The male was argumentative. He was transported to alternative accommodation by police.

Stay safe and have a great week.