Crime Press Releases, New Zealand

Police Issue Scammer Warnings

Police have re-issued warnings about scammers following an incident where an elderly couple were the victim of a well spoken Indian man claiming to be from Inland Revenue.

Police Requesting Public Assistance with Murder Investigation

Police are requesting information from the public to assist the investigation of the murder of Matthew Hall. Any sighting of Matthew Hall, or his car, a blue 2002 Toyota Corolla hatchback with the registration ASG960 should be reported.

Dunedin Mayor's Fight Against Street Violence

Dunedin’s Mayor, Dave Cull is rallying to fight against street violence, by considering changes to laws around public drunkenness and banning repeat offenders.

More Prisoners in Job Training

In the 10 months to July 2010 the number of prisoners in employment and job training increased 9 percent (from 4415 to 4791). More than half the prison population was in some form of employment or training during the 2009/10 year.

Owners Convicted for Owning Dogs that Attack

Huntly Court in the Waikato district have charged and convicted four people for owning dogs that attack sending a clear message to the public that dog attacks won’t be tolerated.

Prison Escape Plan Foiled

A staff member has been praised after they took action to foil a prisoner’s plan to escape from custody by pretending to be unwell.

Police Seeking any Information on Missing Carmen Thomas

Police investigating the disappearance of Remuera mother Carmen Thomas are seeking any information that anyone has – irrespective of their occupation, profession or interest in the mystery – and urging them to pass it onto Police.

Misleading NZ Made Company Fined

Prokiwi International has pleaded guilty and been fined for 17 representative charges of breaching the Fair Trading Act for supplying products that mislead customers into believing the products were New Zealand made.

Drug Treatment Unit Graduates

Eight prisoners have graduated from the Drug Treatment Unit at Christchurch Men’s Prison. They are the 23rd group to graduate since the programme opened in 2006.

High Velocity Air Guns to Require Licence

The Government plans to reclassify high velocity air guns so owners require a firearms licence, by making an amendment to the Arms Order 1984.

Immigration Fraud Sentences

Napier District Court have given jail sentences to three men for immigration fraud. Immigration NZ says this sends a clear message that illegally using foreign workers will not be tolerated.

Ceremony for Wounded Christchurch Police Officers

A private ceremony was held by Christchurch Police to reflect on events in Buccleugh Street last week, acknowledge the efforts of all staff during the shooting, and give thanks for the recovery being made by the two wounded police officers.

Christchurch Policemen Out of Hospital

The two Christchurch policemen who were shot at have now been released from hospital and are at home with their families.

Attack on Police Appalls Christchurch Mayor

An incident where two police officers were attacked by being shot at and a police dog killed has appalled the Christchurch Mayor, Bob Parker.

Telecom NZ and 111 Service

Telecom NZ has spent several millions on improvements to process and systems of the 111 service, following issues earlier this year. Telecom NZ CIO states that New Zealanders should have faith in the 111 service, which has achieved close to 100% reliability over the past 50 years.

Initiatives to Counter Knife Crime

Justice Minister Simon Power has announced a package of initiatives to counter New Zealand’s knife crime problem, including increased penalties, education, shared information, and limiting the sale of knives.

Conviction and Sentencing Statistics

The annual Conviction and Sentencing statistics update has been released, covering the 2000-2009 period. Prosecution outcomes have improved while the proportion of drug and property offences has decreased, and convictions for violent crimes and traffic offences have increased.