Crime Press Releases

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

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.

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.

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 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.

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

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

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 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.

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.

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.

On July 1 Police Safety Orders (PSO) will come into effect. Police Safety Orders enable police to protect families or individuals without having to charge someone with an offence.

A smoking ban in New Zealand prisons is expected to take effect from 1 July 2011, preceded by a 12 month campaign to help prisoners quit smoking. The ban is expected to reduce health and safety risks to prisoners and staff.

A bill is being passed to ensure victims continue to have access to compensation awarded to prisoners.