Police Notebook: Man arrested for doing donuts in Mamaku

A man has been arrested for tearing up grass verges and reserves in Mamaku. Photo/supplied

The following incidents were reported to Rotorua police during the past few days:

Vandalism in Mamaku

A man has been charged after doing donuts and burnouts on grass verges and reserves in Mamaku.

Senior Sergeant Dennis Murphy of the Rotorua police said there were several calls to police on Sunday from Mamaku residents who said there was someone in a car ripping up grass areas.

"There was significant damage and vandalism to the grass areas throughout the village."

Mr Murphy said a man in his 20s was arrested and charged with wilful damage.

Garages targeted

Police have noticed an increase in the number of garages being targeted by burglars in the Pukehangi and Springfield areas.

Mr Murphy said there had been about four burglaries of unlocked garages in the past four days.

He said on all occasions the garages had been targeted at night and they were not secured properly.

"It's just a warning to make sure everything is securely locked including gates leading to garages."

Police would patrol the areas at night more frequently until the offenders were caught, Mr Murphy said.

Stolen cars

Keep an eye out for the following vehicles reported stolen to police.

A white 2002 Mazda Atenza registration GBE138 was stolen from Te Ngae Rd on September 3. A silver 1996 Nissan Pulsar registration KBB129 was stolen from State Highway 38 at Waimangu on September 1. A red 2003 Toyota Hilux registration DBT395 was stolen from Peace St in Fenton Park on August 31.