Man Arrested For Multiple Rural Car Burglaries, Drugs

A 45-year-old man will face multiple charges, including four charges of burglary and possession of methamphetamine, in the Invercargill District Court on 18 August after a spate of expensive vehicle thefts from rural areas and Central Southland recently.

Sergeant Chris Maguire says expensive private and farm-related vehicles were stolen from various properties and he’s warning farmers and rural property owners to lock and secure their vehicles and properties. “Most rural burglaries and thefts occur at properties with no to little security in place,” Maguire says. He’s warning that a few minutes taking adequate precautions can save the financial loss and inconvenience of having important vehicles and equipment stolen.

“These are quick jobs that can be as simple as storing equipment securely away from public view and locking gates and sheds,” he says. Farmers and rural landowners should photograph their important assets and possessions, such as equipment and vehicles, and log any serial numbers that they may have.

“This is the most effective way to be reunited with your property if it’s stolen and recovered,” Maguire says. It’s also a good idea to install sensor lights, CCTV cameras, signage, pin-code gates and driveway or building alarms, especially in rural areas.

Investing in any method of prevention is better than having any items or equipment stolen as these can be expensive to replace or go without.

Call For Public Information – Teenage car thefts and joy ride

Police are still investigating a spate of Invercargill vehicle thefts, attempted ones and interference with other vehicles overnight on 5 July for which two 13-year-olds were taken into custody at the time. One of the stolen vehicles belonged to an Uber driver, who’d left his car briefly to deliver food on Tweed Street, returning to find it gone.

Tools were also taken from a local retail store, and Police are urging anyone with information to come forward. The stolen Uber vehicle had been involved in multiple petrol thefts across the South Island, including Dunedin, Oamaru, Ashburton and Christchurch, where Christchurch Police had received reports of dangerous driving by the driver of the stolen vehicle.

Repeat Drink Driver Clocks Four Times Legal Limit in Invercargill

A 43-year-old man clocked 1100mcg, more than four times the legal limit, and has been charged with drink driving – third or subsequent, after a traffic stop in Invercargill late on Thursday evening (31 July).

Acting Inspector Mel Robertson says Police were alerted to a suspected drink driver leaving a local licensed premises at around 10.30pm. “Officers located the vehicle shortly after and conducted a stop on Regent Street,” she says. “The driver admitted to consuming a significant amount of alcohol.” An evidential breath test returned a result of 1100 micrograms per litre of breath – more than four times the legal 250mcg adult level.

The man has been charged with excess breath alcohol, third and subsequent and will appear in the Invercargill District Court.

She says Police commend the responsible actions of ILT staff who raised concerns, allowing officers to intervene before further harm could occur.

Fire Exercise in Old Hospital Building

While it’s a good thing Southland has been relatively fire free in recent weeks, local Fire and Emergency bosses weren’t letting crews kick back and rest on their laurels. FENZ Southland Group Manager - Assistant Commander Dean Chalmers says 36 local firefighters from Invercargill and Bluff – 14 full-timers, himself and another senior manager, plus 20 volunteers, all took part in a practice exercise in one of the old buildings at Kew Hospital on Thursday evening (31 July).

“It was a significant training event so that everyone could keep in tune with their skills because it’s been so quiet,” he says. A mock fire was recreated using smoke generation. “It was a really good exercise, tough on the crews and physically demanding, but everyone performed really well,” Chalmers says.

Lock Those Vehicles and Go Stags!

While Police are warning they won’t be tolerating any disorderly behaviour at tomorrow’s (Saturday, 2 Aug) Stags v Otago rugby clash in Invercargill, the city’s volunteer Community Patrol won’t be tolerating any tampering outside the grounds either.

Invercargill Community Patrol chairman Brian Dunick says they’ll be patrolling the car parking areas and streets surrounding Rugby Park where traditionally Police would have between 10 and 20 complaints of the likes of thefts from cars and car break ins during a big rugby game at the park. “We’ve been patrolling though in recent years, and they now don’t get any of those reports,” Dunick says.

Just as well they’re there as Dunick says they sometimes find parked vehicles unlocked outside the ground, maybe the occupants were in a rush for a good seat in the stadium. “We found a Holden Colorado twin cab ute once with a window partially down and a laptop sitting on the back seat!” In those situations patrollers try to wind up the window as best they can and leave their calling card on the dash to warn vehicle owners to be more careful next time. The matter is logged with Police.

“We start patrols at about 4pm and will be monitoring the car parks to ensure people’s vehicles are safe from anyone interfering with them, behind Splash Palace, off the end of Mary Street, down around Forth Street and in the surrounding residential streets where people park,” he says.

Meanwhile, Police are encouraging fans tomorrow to enjoy the evening responsibly and look after one another.

With a strong turnout expected at Rugby Park, Police will be actively patrolling both the stadium and surrounding areas throughout the evening. Our goal is to support a safe, fun, and family-friendly environment for all attendees.

“We want everyone to have a great time and support our team on Stags Day,” says Area Prevention Manager, Acting Inspector Melanie Robertson. “That means keeping alcohol consumption within reason, having a plan to get home safely, and looking out for your mates.”

Police remind attendees to:

Drink responsibly – know your limits and pace yourself.

Have a transport plan – arrange a sober driver, use public transport, or book a taxi.

Look after your mates – stay together and check in on each other.

Be respectful – to other fans, staff, and emergency services.

Disorderly behaviour won’t be tolerated, and Police will be on hand to ensure everyone can enjoy the game in a safe and positive atmosphere.

Let’s make it a night to remember for all the right reasons. Go the Stags!