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Police Watch
Man confronts police with firearm
Police are looking for a 44-year-old man, whose identity is known, for an armed confrontation at a house in Edgeware last night.
At about 11.20 pm, police were called to a domestic incident and as they approached the house the man pointed a pistol at the officers. No shots were fired.
The offender ran away before the Armed Offenders' Squad arrived, and was being sought today. An air pistol was found on the property and police believe the man is no longer armed.
Police investigating two violent weekend incidents
Police are investigating an incident outside the Hornby Soccer Club rooms at Denton Park in which a young man was stabbed in his side early on Sunday morning.
The victim, who is in his early 20s, had been attending a social function at the rooms.
He was among those leaving about 1.50am when they were approached by a group of about eight males.
Police say words were exchanged and a scuffle broke out, leading to the stabbing.
The victim received hospital treatment and was released early on Sunday morning.
Police would like to speak to anyone who was at the social function or who knows any of the people involved in the altercation.
Please contact Detective Colin Baillie of the Christchurch South Police, phone 363-2586.
They are also investigating an incident in Shannon Place, Belfast, where a woman was assaulted about 9pm on Saturday.
A man grabbed the woman just outside her home before running off.
He is described as being dark skinned in his early 20s between 175cm and 180cm tall and of medium build with a bushy beard.
If any members of the public saw a person fitting this description in or around Shannon Place on Saturday can they please call Senior Constable Phillips of the New Brighton Police on 373-9122.
Police warning about ‘official’ approaches by crooks in disguise
Christchurch people are being urged to keep a close watch on their neighbourhoods and ask for identification from official looking visitors who may not be what they seem.
The police are warning that some crooks are taking to wearing disguises to take advantage of opportunities the earthquake aftermath is offering.
Senior Sergeant Phil Dean from the Christchurch police said there had been an increase in the number of calls that police have received relating to the unsolicited approaches by people claiming official business.
"There are people in our community who are pretending to be all manner of officials including police, with criminal intent," Senior Sergeant Dean said.
Since the earthquakes started there had been a few people who had been trying to use the situation to commit crimes where people had been displaced, and were posing as members of official organisations to do this.
"We have had reports of from members of the public of phone calls from people claiming to be officials from local organisations and government."
All officials have appropriate identification and if members of the public had any doubt they should ask to see this identification.
There have also been a number of reports of people impersonating police officers. They have been wearing any manner of uniform such as LAPD-style shirts, items that look like police stab vests and police caps.
Senior Sergeant Dean stated: "Everyone knows what the New Zealand police uniform looks like. There has been no change to this as a result of the earthquakes. If you do not think the uniform looks right or have any reason to think a person in impersonating a police officer then ask them for identification.
"We are encouraging people to keep a watchful in their own neighbourhood. If you see something that you think looks suspicious we want to hear about it then and there, that is how we will catch the burglars that are undermining our communities."
Police make arrests for pharmacy robberies
Police closed in within minutes to arrest two men for a series of pharmacy robberies, after drugs were taken at knifepoint from the pharmacy on the corner of Colombo Street and Bealey Avenue on Friday night.
A large quantity of drugs was taken when the pharmacy was robbed at 6pm.
The robber made his escape in a stolen vehicle driven bya co-offender. Within minutes the police had found the stolen vehicle with the two offenders present and apprehended them at the intersection of Papanui Road and Bealey Avenue, a few blocks from the scene.
The alleged offenders were men aged 48 and 45, both unemployed and from Addington. They were due to appear on these charges in the Christchurch District Court on Saturday July 31.
Both were also charged with the knife-point robberies of the St Martins Pharmacy on June 29, and the Woodham Road Pharmacy July 14 where large quantities of controlled drugs were stolen.
Armed robber bikes off with drugs
A knife-wielding robber got away with a haul of drugs after holding up the St Martins Pharmacy in the mall on the corner of Beckford and Wilsons Road at 4.40pm on Tuesday.
The man got a large amount of morphine in liquid and tablet form.
Staff at the pharmacy were left traumatised by the robbery.
The robber is described as a Caucasian male, aged 30 to 50 years, 170cm in height, slim build with skinny legs and arms, wearing a dark cycle helmet, black woollen bandana or top covering his face, light blue long-sleeved top, faded blue jeans, black gloves and white sneakers.
Acting Detective Sergeant Ian Freeman said: “The stolen morphine will be destined for the black market to be sold to intravenous drug users.The offender is likely to live in the local vicinity of the pharmacy and be a drug user himself.”
Calls will be treated in confidence and can be made to Acting Detective Sergeant Freeman at the Christchurch South Police Station on 363-2572.
Police seeking Edgeware, Ferry Road robbers
Two men carried out the armed robbery of the Post Bank at the Edgeware Shopping Mall, on the corner of Edgeware Road and Sherborne Street, at 12.26pm on Saturday June 26.
They entered the shop carrying firearms and demanded cash from shop staff.
After taking money, they left the shop and got into a Subaru Legacy car, coloured blue, which was found soon after at the corner and Packe Street and Canon Street, a few blocks away from the scene of the robbery.
The Subaru had been stolen from a Riccarton address on Thursday night.
Police would like to speak to any members of the public who witnessed this incident or who have any information about the identity of the offenders.
Police are also requesting information from the public about an incident at the Phillipstown Post Shop in Ferry Road, two weeks earlier on Saturday June 12 at 1.45pm.
A man walked into the Phillipstown Post Shop on the corner of Ferry Road and Barbour Street and approached the teller.
He presented a hand-written note demanding money. Upon being given the money, he left the Post Shop going north-east along Ferry Road.
The man is described as: aged 20 to 30, tidy appearance, skinny build, about 1.8m tall, wearing a beige coloured beanie, tan coloured pants, a dark grey coloured hoodie and dark glasses.
Information can be provided to Detective Sergeant Leairne Dow or Detective Constable Michael Scott of the Christchurch Central CIB, telephone 363-7400.
No description of the Edgeware Road robbers has been issued yet.
Arrests follow P-lab swoops
Five people were arrested in 6am raids at secret P-labs around Canterbury this morning and are expected to make appearances in the District Court this afternoon.
Police say more arrests may follow after 160 police executed search warrants as part of their Operation Granite.
The raids went on in Christchurch, Ashburton, and Rangiora, and it is not clear where all this afternoon’s court appearances would take place.
The police say they found cash, a firearm, chemicals related to the manufacture of methamphetamine, and searches were continuing through the day.
Witnesses to Opawa dairy robbery sought
The owner of the Opawa Universal Dairy in Opawa Road received minor head injuries after struggling with an armed robber.
The robber, a Caucasian man with a firearm, went into the dairy at 9.50pm on Saturday night and confronted the owner and demanded cash.
The dairy owner fought him but the robber managed to leave with some tobacco.
He got into the front passenger seat of a silver four-door sedan parked on the pedestrian crossing directly outside the dairy.
The car then drove off towards Richardson Terrace.
Police are speaking to witnesses but need more information about the car.
People who can help with information are asked to contact Constable Grant Cowan of the Christchurch South Police on 363-2576.
Fatal hit-and-run crash near Prebbleton
Police are seeking witnesses to a hit-and-run crash in which a cyclist was killed near Prebbleton.
The accident happened between 7am and 7.15am this morning when the cyclist was hit by a vehicle at the intersection of Marshs and Springs Road.
The cyclist was a 42-year-old mother of two primary school children from Prebbleton.
Detective Sergeant Scott Anderson of the Christchurch South Police said: “Preliminary investigations indicate that she has been struck by a vehicle and the driver would be well aware they had hit something.”
The police are still investigating this matter as the driver of the vehicle involved has not been identified. They are appealing to the public for witnesses to the collision and the driver of the vehicle involved to come forward.
Any witnesses to this crash should contact the Christchurch South Police Station, phone 363-2500.
Missing man sought by policePolice are seeking information on the whereabouts of John Parker Westenra who has been missing from Craigieburn Station since May 4.
Mr Westenra is described as a Caucasian, aged 47, 180cm tall. He drives a blue 1996 Mitsubishi Light Van, registered number CWN941.
Anyone with information on the whereabouts of Mr Westenra can contact the Christchurch police on 03-363-7400.
One dead in Kaiapoi crash
One person is dead after a vehicle crashed into a tree on Beach Road, Kaiapoi, at about 11.45am today.
The police said only one vehicle was involved and the 45-year-old woman who was killed was the sole occupant.
Police would like to hear from anyone who may have seen the blue Honda Civic as it travelled out of the Pines Beach area and along Beach Road.
Anyone with sightings of this vehicle prior to the crash please contact the Kaiapoi Police on Christchurch 363 7400.
Investigation into greyhound’s death
Police are investigation a six-year-old greyhound apparently being bludgeoned to death near Wainoni Park on Sunday morning.
The dog escaped from its owner’s property when a gate was accidentally left open about 10.30am to 10.45am.
It was only missing for a few minutes before it was found 500m away in Aldershot Street near Wainoni Park.
Police say the dog had suffered a severe blunt force trauma to its head, which killed it, and there was no evidence of it being hit by a vehicle.
Anyone with information about what happened to this dog should contact New Brighton Police watchhouse phone 373-9100 or leave a recorded message for Constable Scanlan phone 373-9103.
Taxi robbery inquiry
Police are seeking information about the armed robbery of a First Direct taxi driver by two male passengers early on Sunday morning.
He picked the two men up from the corner of Shirley Road and Quinns Road about 5.45am.
While driving through Shirley and Mairehau the men threatened the driver with a knife, struck him, and grabbed him around the throat while he was driving the Toyota Mk II stationwagon.
In Redwood, they struck the driver hard on the back of the head, causing him to crash into two trees on Queen Elizabeth II Drive, near Grimseys Road.
The driver received concussion and sore head and neck as a result of assault and crash.
The police are asking any witnesses to contact the New Brighton Police watchhouse
phone 373-9100, or leave a recorded message for Constable Scanlan phone 373-9103.
Two wandering children identified
Sydenham Police are seeking public help to identify two young children found in the Herdman Street-Dalglish Place area of Hoon Hay this morning.
One is a boy aged three or four, dressed in a blue and orange t-shirt with black track pants with white and silver stripes down the leg.
The other is a girl aged about two years with shoulder length hair wearing a pink t-shirt and a multi-coloured long sleeved shirt underneath. She is also wearing purple track pants.
“Someone should be missing these children,” a police spokesman said. Anyone who knows their identity is asked to contact the police.
1pm update: By lunchtime the police had found the children's parents and were speaking to them about the care of the youngsters. They thanked the public for their help.
Widow’s property recovered in police searches
Property belonging to a 62-year-old woman found dead in her Huntsbury home last week has been found by the police in a series of raids around Christchurch.
Several addresses across the city have now been visited and searched and the people found in possession of the allegedly stolen property are now assisting the police investigation.
Gaynor White was found dead on Friday at her home in Aotea Terrace on Friday, and Shaun Timothy Skilling appeared in the Christchurch District Court today charged with the burglary of her home and unlawfully taking her car.
Police have now found Mrs White’s television, computer, and games machine along with other property.
They believe the Mazda Lantis car taken from Mrs White’s home, registration WL7343, travelled extensively through Christchurch city on Friday and at times contained several people.
Police have received many calls from the public with information that has been helpful to the inquiry. Acting Detective Inspector David Long asks any person not already spoken to by Police, who saw the car or had contact with Shaun Skilling in the last week, to contact the investigation team on 0800 HUNTSBURY (0800 486872).
The scene examination at the Aotea Terrace address continues. As the result of inquiries made a number of other addresses are now also being forensically examined by Police and ESR scientist.
Arrest over Westfield Riccarton arson
Police have arrested a 29-year-old former Christchurch man for arson at the Westfield Riccarton Mall in July, after executing a search warrant at a Westport address yesterday.
The fire early on July 10 caused $235,000 worth of damage to the mall and a further $1.5million of damage to Farmers Trading Company stock, mainly through smoke damage.
The former Christchurch man, who now lives in Westport, has been charged with the arson and police say further charges are pending. They relate to fires lit in council wheelie bins in an alleyway, and two other fires in Hagley Park later the same morning.
The man appeared in the Westport District Court on Tuesday and was remanded to Monday December 21, to appear in the Christchurch District Court.
Police raids hit Mangu Kaha gang activities
Police gave the Aranui community a break with a series of raids on addresses linked to the Mangu Kaha gang – an offshoot of the Black Power gang – on December 9.
Five search warrants were executed during the swoop.
The gang’s profile has become increasing evident, particularly in the Aranui area.
The warrants were in relation to specific activity where members of the gang were alleged to be committing criminal offences and this was impacting on many members of the community in Aranui.
The warrants were successful and items of stolen property such as vehicles, drugs, and property stolen in thefts and burglaries were recovered.
Charges in relation to members of the Mangu Kaha gang and the stolen property and drugs would be laid in the coming days, the police said.
The police were concerned about the activities of criminal gangs and this action against the Mangu Kaha gang is the first phase of their action against criminal gangs operating in and around New Brighton and the wider Christchurch area.
The New Brighton police say they work closely with a large number of community groups in the Aranui area who are doing an excellent job with young persons and others through a multi-agency approach.
“The potential for a gang such as Mangu Kaha to take hold can seriously damage the good work that is going on in this community and will not be tolerated by the police,” said Senior Sergeant Roy Appley, the sub-area commander for the northern district.
Warning about fake police scam
Christchurch police have issued a warning about someone impersonating police officers and asking for their cash flow cards and pin numbers and cheque books.
Several of these incidents have happened over the last 2 days and the offender has managed to take cards and cheques.
A police officer would always identify himself and produce his identification card if not in uniform, said Tony Ellis of the Christchurch Police.
“I urge people to ring police if they are unsure of the person purporting to be a police officer and not give any cards or pin numbers to them. As with banks, we will never ask for your pin numbers or cards nor will we take property without a search warrant or court orders,” he said.
He urged people to be wary of strangers at your door and ring the police on 363-7400 or phone 111 if urgent assistance is needed.
Elderly woman victim of robbery
A plucky 90-year-old woman has tried to grab a man who was taking her purse in a cowardly robbery in a supermarket carpark.
Police describe the man has a caucasian aged between 30 and 40 years and wearing a dark coloured jacket – possibly green – and a hat with a small brim.
He had stubble on his face and he smelt of alcohol. He was riding a bicycle and is described as being of slim to medium build and about 175cm tall.
The elderly woman was shaken but fortunately sustained no significant injuries, said Detective Sergeant Ross Tarawhiti of the Christchurch South police.
The man accosted the woman at 12.50pm on Friday, September 18, while she was putting her groceries into her car in the carpark of Countdown supermarket, Colombo Street, Beckenham.
The man tried to trick her while he was remove her purse from an outside pocket of a jacket she was wearing.
She tried to stop the theft, and even grabbed the offender, but she fell to the ground as he rode off.
“Police are seeking any information from anyone who may have witnessed this incident, can assist in the direction this man left on his bike, or may know the identify of this offender,” said Detective Sergeant Tarawhiti.
Man crushed in accident named
Police have named the Motueka man killed this morning when granite slabs fell on him as he was unloading them off the deck of a truck.
Senior Sergeant Andrews of the Motueka police said the dead man was Raymond Hibbs, aged 55.
The accident happened at 8am when emergency services were called to the Quaystone business premises on Batchelors Ford Road in Motueka.
Staff at Quaystone and Mr Hibbs’ family are being supported by Motueka Victim Support organisation.
An investigation has been begun by the police and the Department of Labour to determine the cause of his death.
Cats killed in armed incident in Shirley
Two cats allegedly shot to death by a 58-year-old man were found after an Armed Offenders Squad call-out in Shirley on Sunday.
About 4.15pm the police attended a report of a man firing a firearm inside a house in Banks Avenue.
The squad turned out and about 6.15pm the man was arrested without incident.
Police seized a large amount of firearms and ammunition from the address and the man will face several firearms charges in the Christchurch District Court this morning.
Police said the bodies of the two cats shot by the man were found inside the house.
Hit and run investigation continues
Inquiries are continuing into a fatal hit and run crash on the Leeston Road on Thursday, though the police believe they have spoken to the driver after finding the vehicle next day.
The police are still asking for witnesses to the accident in which a cyclist, 34-year-old Jens Richardson, was killed between 6pm and 7.30pm.
He was on the Leeston-Springston Road between Goulds Road and Bethels Road.
Police want information about the movements of a 1995 dark blue BMW 325I car which was believed to have left Rolleston sometime after 6pm, travelling towards Leeston.
Anyone with information is asked to contact Detective Annie Sullivan of the Hornby Police on 344-0690.
Police found the vehicle believed to be involved at a house about 20km from the accident scene on Friday.
Police seek witnesses to New Brighton assault
Police want to speak to witnesses of a New Brighton assault in which a man ended up in hospital with three broken bones in his face.
A titanium plate has had to be inserted to repair the damage.
New Brighton police say the assault happened about 2.30am on Saturday June 13, by the entrance to the Esplanade Tavern, on Beresford Street.
The victim, aged 42, had been drinking in the bar and was waiting for his friends to leave when he was kicked in the face and head by a man who was with a group outside the tavern.
Police would like to hear from any witnesses or anyone able to identify the victim's attacker. Please contact New Brighton Police Watchhouse Ph 373-9100 in the first instance or if wishing to remain confidential phone 0800 TIPOFF.
Taxi passenger pulled knife
A 19-year-old male was being interviewed by police on Tuesday night after the attempted robbery of a taxi driver in Linwood about 9.20pm.
The taxi driver picked up a passenger who pulled a knife and demanded money. There was a short dispute about that before the passenger ran off.
The police say the taxi driver suffered minor, largely superficial injuries and was treated at Christchurch Hospital.
Stabbing outside Phillipstown party
Police are asking for help to find the knife used in a stabbing after a group had been thrown out of a Phillipstown birthday party on Saturday night.
The stabbing took place about 10.30pm on Saturday June 6, when a 17-year-old youth was stabbed in the stomach outside the house in Tuam Street.
The group ran off, heading west (towards Fitzgerald Avenue) and then turned left into Nursery Road, crossing over to run through the grounds of the Phillipstown School.
The victim of the attack is in a stable condition in hospital.
Police are asking people living in the Tuam Street, Nursery Road area to check the frontages of the properties or roof areas – if possible – for the knife used in the stabbing.
Anyone in the area who finds a knife, is asked to contact Detective Jo Guy at the Christchurch Central Police Station on (03) 363 7707.
Sex attack on Avon riverbank reported
A young woman was the victim of a sexual assault on the banks of the Avon River, Christchurch, in the early hours of Sunday.
Police say the 20-year-old woman was extremely affected by the attack.
Detective Glenn Pascoe is requesting any information from the public about the incident which happened on the grass banks of the Avon River at Oxford Terrace, between Madras and Armagh Streets, from about 1.30am to 2am on Sunday.
The woman was assaulted after changing her route home to avoid a group of males who were on the corner of Madras and Armagh Streets.
"We'd like to speak to anybody who may have witnessed this assault," said Detective Pascoe. "We are also very interested in speaking to the males in the group on the corner of Madras and Armagh Streets."
Other people were seen and heard by the woman while walking along Armagh Street and around Centennial Pool just prior to the incident. These people, anyone in the area at that time and any other witnesses who may have any information, are also asked to contact Detective Pascoe of the Christchurch Central CIB, phone 363-7400.
Missing elderly woman found safe and well
Police announced on Monday that a woman missing from Richmond, Christchurch, since Sunday afternoon had been found safe and well, and thanked the public for their help.
They had asked the public help to find a 73-year-old Tongan woman who went missing from an address in suburban Richmond about 2.30pm on Sunday.
The woman is on holiday from Rotorua and is unfamiliar with the area. Friends and family had been unsuccessful in locating her. She was last seen at an address in London Street.
Stolen trailer
Police want to find a trailer stolen earlier this year from Skellerup in Garlands Road, Woolston.
The trailer, registration 3932, was loaded with valuable welding equipment, some of which was recovered from a property nearby soon after.
Detective Constable Richard Malin said that the purpose-built trailer was mainly blue and had a large canopy with Skellerup Containment System written on the side.
Anyone with information about the trailer or the specialist plastic welding equipment is asked to contact Detective Constable Malin, phone 363-7400.
Reward offered for Mellory Manning murder information
The police are posting a reward of $50,000 for material information or evidence which leads to the identity and conviction of any person or persons responsible for the death of Ngatai (Mellory) Manning.
This reward was approved by the Acting Commissioner Rob Pope and was signed on 16 February 2008. It will remain in force until 31 December 2009.
The police are seeking information about two vehicles.
The first is a shiny black four-wheel drive, with four doors. This vehicle travelled through the intersection of Manchester Street and Bealey Avenue at 10.41pm. on the evening of 18 December, 2008. This would be about the right time if Mellory was picked up at the corner of Peterborough Street and Manchester Street at about 10.40pm.
The police are not saying that this vehicle specifically picked Mellory up but they wish to speak with the vehicle's occupants as they were in the area at the time. The car is believed to have the picture of a deer or stag on the spare wheel cover, on the back of the vehicle, which is common with Japanese imports.
This was the description the police have released about one of the drivers of a shiny black four wheel drive that was approaching prostitutes that night:
Male
Caucasian
38-39 years
Very short hair, number 1 or number 2 cut
Possibly a receding hairline
Clean shaven
Didn't look tall (but he didn't get out of vehicle)
Tattoos on forearms (Can't give any further description other than on both arms)
Blue jeans
Maybe grey sweatshirt (perhaps blue or black)
No accent, thought he was a New Zealander.
The police are also wanting information about a blue Toyota Surf photographed at the intersection of Manchester Street and Cashel Street between 10.30pm and 11pm the same evening. While not established, it appears to be the same vehicle and appears to be cruising up and down the street, as a number of cars were that night. This could be the vehicle that stopped and spoke to a prostitute outside St Lukes Church at about 10.35pm that evening after doing a U-turn. In addition to the description of that vehicle and its occupants already released it is possible that this vehicle had a mechanical float used for concrete work (referred to by the witness as a Kelly Float) in the back of it covered with a blue tarpaulin.
This is the description of the male in the Blue Surf who approached the prostitute outside St Lukes Church. He is described as a male Caucasian, slim, with grey stubble, balding at the front with brown greying hair at the back. She said that he was rough looking and was wearing a blue jersey with holes in it.
Mellory Manning was last seen alive at 10.35 p.m. Thursday 18 December 2008 standing Manchester Street Christchurch working as a prostitute. Her body was located in the Avon River at about 6.30 a.m. the next morning.
A post mortem established that Mellory was subjected to a very violent assault that caused her death.
Anyone with information should contact their nearest Police Station or ring 0800 626646 or 0800 MANNING