Rotorua police notebook: More than 250 drivers ticketed

The Rotorua road policing unit had a busy week, ticketing more than 250 drivers and impounding vehicles.

There were 225 drivers ticketed for restraints, impairment, distraction and speed this week as police cracked down on the State Highway network.

Rotorua police area prevention manager Inspector Brendon Keenan said 170 of those were for speed.

"With us heading into winter, we want to spread a real warning about speed, particularly around cold mornings where there can be black ice."

Keenan said drivers needed to drive to the conditions and be aware of increased stopping distances.

Over the week, the road policing unit also stopped and impounded vehicles police had wanted for gang related activity.

Motorcyclists caught in group effort
Last week, the road policing unit assisted with the pursuit of people on a motorcycle and trail bike.

Keenan said it was a good catch for the team who have had issues with people riding the bikes around town.

"They ended up creating a cordon around the area and blocking them in.

"The bikers were using reserves to get away and they managed to stop them."

Rise in thefts from cars
A live pig was among the items stolen from cars or trailers in Rotorua this week.

The pig was taken from a locked trailer parked in a driveway in Mangakakahi on Friday.

Keenan said people breaking into vehicles, tampering with the ignition barrel or stealing the vehicle was a key focus for police at the moment.

Other vehicles taken from cars included phones, sunglasses, items of clothing, car batteries and wallets.

"People need to make sure they are doing all they can to prevent these thefts, locking cars, hiding valuables and keeping them off the road where possible."

Stolen Vehicles
The police are currently seeking three vehicles taken on Friday and a plate taken last week.

A 1998 red Toyota Cavalier, registration BLL296, taken from Kawaha Point.

A 2013 silver Mazda BT-50, registration LKT947, taken from Ngongotaha.

A 1997 silver Honda Oyssey, registration DHF 909, taken from Okere Falls.

A plate CAE157, taken from central Rotorua.

• Any information about any of the above incidents can be given to Rotorua police on (07) 348 0099 or anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.