Police make arrests in Ōpōtiki

File photo.

Ōpōtiki Police have made three arrests following four search warrants for dangerous road user behaviour and other serious criminal offending.

"A youth and a 29-year-old man were arrested for dangerous driving, with two motorbikes seized from local properties," says Eastern Bay Of Plenty Rural Response Manager, Senior Sergeant Richard Miller.

The 29-year-old man was arrested on four charges of driving while disqualified and one of dangerous driving.

He is due to appear in Ōpōtiki District Court on March 30 2023.

"The youth is due to appear in the Youth Court on a range of charges this week."

Rural Response Manager Senior Sergeant Richard Miller says dangerous behaviour on the roads, including riding without a helmet or the appropriate licence, has been a significant issue in the township.

Police have seized four other motorbikes in recent weeks.

'These riders have little regard for their own safety or that of other road users, says Senior Sergeant Miller.

'In some cases, they're riding without the appropriate protection or training.

'We understand the community is fed up with this type of behaviour and we don't want to see anyone seriously injured or killed.

'As these search warrants and arrests demonstrate, this behaviour will not be tolerated.”

Police also arrested a 38-year-old woman for obstructing Police during a search warrant at another local address, relating to serious drug offending on Tuesday March 21.

Small quantities of cannabis, GBL and methamphetamine were seized, along with electronic devices.

Senior Sergeant Miller says Police are asking the Ōpōtiki community to keep their eyes and ears open for dangerous behaviour on the roads and any other suspicious activity.

Information can be provided online at www.police.govt.nz/use-105 or by calling 105.

Alternatively, contact Crime Stoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or online at www.crimestoppers-nz.org

1 comment

Rotorua Police

Posted on 27-03-2023 17:11 | By Rotorua68

You need to do your bit in our community regarding the youths on bikes in Fordlands and surrounding areas before someone gets killed. These guys are a problem but the police in Rotorua seem to turn a blind eye. Lots of residences have rung up complaining but nothing gets done. Also the burnouts that are constantly happening every day, particularly cnr of Meadowbank and Hyde rd, these guys are in there 20s and 30s, you know who they are and what cars are doing them.... Do something about them before something happens please.


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