Katikati police report

Banks will never ask you to download apps over the phone, police say.

Scams

A significant amount of money was taken from an elderly couple’s bank account after a scam phone call was received and a computer-generated voice advised them their credit card had been compromised.

A follow-up call from a scammer pretending to be from a bank asked the couple to download an application called PAYDE.

Once this was done the bank scammers had full control of the couple’s account and thousands of dollars were removed.

Police advise that anyone who receives a cold call from someone claiming to be from their bank, not to act on any of their instructions.

Instead, call the genuine bank’s number from the phone book or website and query the bank as to the validity of the call.

Banks will never ask you to download apps over the phone. This is a sure sign of a scam, police say.

Burglaries

July 16 — Canon Rd, Tahawai. Four large bales of possum fur were stolen.

July 14 — Tools were allegedly stolen from a building site in Vesey Drive and Uretara Drive, Katikati. A police patrol responded to the report of noises from the site and found a person in a van nearby and tools hidden in bushes. Inquiries continue.

July 10 — An address in Main Rd, Katikati, was entered and a laptop, dive vest and a boat tank were stolen.

July 5 — Alternative education building in Waterford Rd, Katikati, was broken into and three LCD TVs were stolen.

Theft

July 11 — A wallet was stolen from a vehicle parked in McMillan Rd, Katikati.

July 16 — A parcel was stolen from a letterbox in Odey Rd, Whakamārama.

Other

Damage was reported to a rural gate in upper Hot Springs Rd, Katikati.

Arrests and apprehensions

As a result of an incident at a Tahawai address on July 9, a 33-year-old Tauranga man has been charged with two counts of wounding with intent to cause grievous bodily harm. Two men were hospitalised with serious injuries as a result of the alleged attack.

Police were called to the report of a man being unlawfully in a Ridge Drive, Ōmokoroa property with a torch at 1am on Friday. The 50-year-old man of no fixed abode was located and charged with being unlawfully on a property and possession of cannabis. Police were called to another incident the following day and the man was arrested and charged with threatening and indecent language and three charges of shoplifting, allegedly from Fresh Choice Ōmokoroa.

July 14 — A 25-year-old Katikati man was arrested on warrant for failing to appear in court.

July 13 — A 52-year-old Katikati man was charged with driving with excess breath alcohol in Waterford Rd, Katikati.

July 16 — A 32-year-old Katikati man was arrested for breaching his bail conditions.