Police Notebook: Increase in Rotorua vehicle pursuits

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

Rise in vehicle pursuits
Rotorua police crime prevention manager Brendon Keenan said police were starting to notice more pursuits than usual.

"These are people who fail to stop, often this can lead to a chase, people abandoning vehicles and the dog squad are required to pursue and catch them on foot."

He said a large amount of the chases were caused by one of the automatic number-plate recognition vehicles flagging a suspicious licence plate.

Although police are noticing the trend it is something they would prefer to see stopping, he said.

Widespread burglaries

Over the last week, 11 burglaries were reported across Rotorua.

Keenan said they were spread across Rotorua but there was a surprising number in Tihiotonga.

"They were across Glenholme, Utuhina, Owhata, a couple around Victoria, but to see three in Tihiotonga, we never really see that."

He said the properties seemed to have been secured where windows were smashed or ranch sliders were "jimmied off".

"A few of the burglaries were while people were asleep in the house."

He said police were seeing a spate of car keys being taken from a property then the thief coming back later to steal the car.

"If you have your car keys stolen then you need to be looking at changing your locks, which can be more difficult with a car."

A good arrest

After pulling over a vehicle on Sunday night police were able to arrest a man they had been seeking.

Keenan said it was a good arrest after a long search for the man.

He was wanted on domestic violence charges.

Outstanding vehicles
Police are still seeking the following vehicles which were stolen over the last week.

A silver 2016 Toyota Rav 4, registration KBE593, taken from Amohau St on January 14.

A black 2017 Triumph Rocket III motorcycle, registration B9JYJ, taken from Sunline Pl in Ngongotaha on January 10.

A white 2004 Mitsubishi Challenger, registration BYU872, taken from Wylie St in Glenholme on January 10.

A blue 2010 Mazda BT-50, registration FLD193 taken from Fenton St on January 10.

A red 2015 Forza Ciclone Motorcycle, registration B5BUP, taken from Ward Ave in Fenton Park on January 10.

A blue 2006 Mazda E2000 , registration DPQ628, taken from Fairy Springs Rd on January 9.