Crime

Name suppression lapses for academic who sexually assaulted elderly woman

Crime, Demographics, News, Police, Seniors / By

An academic who sexually assaulted an 82-year-old woman at a resthome can now be named as Grant Hannis, a former associate professor of journalism at Massey University’s Wellington campus. Grant Hannis awaits sentencing at the Wellington District Court. Photo: RNZ Name suppression for the 55-year-old academic, who admitted indecently touching an elderly woman at a lower North …

Name suppression lapses for academic who sexually assaulted elderly woman Read More »

Fundraiser causes anger among deaf community

Accessibility, Activism, Community, Crime, News, Police, Warning / By

A deaf Wellington man says he’s furious after a woman apparently pretending to be deaf so she could try to sell sign-language cards, came into his work. Photo: RNZ / 123RF Deaf Action New Zealand has laid a complaint with police after reports of people in Wellington and Auckland trying to sell the cards for …

Fundraiser causes anger among deaf community Read More »

Resident scared after gang brawl in Stokes Valley

Crime, Hutt Valley, News, Police, Regions / By

A Stokes Valley resident who witnessed yesterday’s gang brawl says she no longer feels safe in the suburb. Photo: RNZ / Richard Tindillier Police maintained a presence in the Lower Hutt suburb of Stokes Valley overnight following a brawl which witnesses said involved machetes, guns and gang members. After the incident on George Street, officers …

Resident scared after gang brawl in Stokes Valley Read More »

Police charge man in 10-hour standoff over Terrace Tunnel

Crime, News, Police / By

A man who sparked a 10-hour standoff with police on top of Wellington’s Terrace Tunnel has been charged. The man sitting on top of the tunnel, with the two-car crash that sparked the incident down below. Photo: RNZ / Meriana Johnsen He has been charged with dangerous driving causing injury and possession of an offensive weapon. He was …

Police charge man in 10-hour standoff over Terrace Tunnel Read More »

Hairdressers and barbers warned to ditch ‘thank you’ drink

Christmas, Community, Council, Crime, Events, Government, Holidays, News, Police, Warning / By

Wellington barbers and hairdressers are being told not to spread the Christmas cheer by filling the glasses of their clients with beer or wine. Wellington City Council sent out letters to hairdressers and barbers to warn them, without a liquor licence, if they give clients a Christmas tipple, they could be served a $10,000 fine. …

Hairdressers and barbers warned to ditch ‘thank you’ drink Read More »

Police to conduct road safety operation throughout Wellington next week

Cars, Community, Crime, Holidays, News, Police, Transport / By

“Road safety operation – Wellington” Wellington Police are on a mission to ensure drivers keep themselves and other road users safe this holiday season. From Monday 17 to Saturday 22 December, Police will be conducting a road safety operation throughout Wellington, Porirua and Kapiti, focusing on seatbelts and impairment. “Not wearing a seatbelt is one …

Police to conduct road safety operation throughout Wellington next week Read More »

Arrests expected for Stokes Valley firearms incident

Crime, Hutt Valley, News, Police / By

Police have executed a number of search warrants in the Stokes Valley area in response to the firearms incident in Hanson Grove on Friday 7 December. A number of firearms, some of them loaded, have been recovered by Police. At this stage no arrests have been made, however positive lines of enquiry are being followed …

Arrests expected for Stokes Valley firearms incident Read More »

Man injured in gang shooting in Stokes Valley

Crime, Hutt Valley, News, Police / By

Police are continuing to make enquiries after a 39-year-old man was shot in Stokes Valley. The man received moderate injuries after being shot at an address on Hanson Street shortly before midnight on Saturday, and  remains in hospital. A short time after the incident, Police received a barrage of calls from the public describing what sounded …

Man injured in gang shooting in Stokes Valley Read More »

Man charged with murder after Petone decapitation

Crime, Death, Hutt Valley, News, Police / By

A man has appeared in Lower Hutt District Court charged with murder in relation to the death of a 71-year-old man in Petone on Friday night. Police confirmed speculation in the Petone community yesterday that the homicide involved a decapitation. Police have confirmed that the deceased was Francis Tyson, of Petone. Police are continuing to …

Man charged with murder after Petone decapitation Read More »

Decapitation confirmed in Petone homicide

Crime, Death, Hutt Valley, News, Police / By

Police have confirmed speculation in the Petone community that the homicide of a 71-year-old man on Friday involved a decapitation. Detective Inspector Shane Cotter said that Police were called to a Jackson Street address around 9.50pm on Friday, where a 71-year-old man was found dead. A 41-year-old man was arrested on unrelated matters and appeared …

Decapitation confirmed in Petone homicide Read More »

Vandal convicted of wrecking water whirler

Crime, News, Sculpture, Waterfront / By

Hunter Macdonald (28), who was charged with wrecking the Len Lye Water Whirler sculpture in October, pleaded guilty to wilful damage in the District Court last week. Local vandal Hunter Macdonald. Photo by RNZ The Wellington local claimed to be “bored out of his mind” when he swung on the sculpture, snapping it and injuring …

Vandal convicted of wrecking water whirler Read More »

Investigation continues into murder of 71-year-old in Petone

Crime, News, Police / By

Police are continuing their investigation into the homicide of a 71-year-old man in Petone on Friday. Detective Inspector Shane Cotter said that Police were called to a Jackson Street address around 9.50pm on Friday, where a 71-year-old man was found dead. Examination of the scene was continued today, and Petone residents will notice an increased …

Investigation continues into murder of 71-year-old in Petone Read More »

Bus stopped by armed cops after Berhampore robbery

Crime, News, Police, Transport / By

Armed police stopped a bus in Kent Terrace this morning following a report of a robbery in Berhampore shortly after 7.00am. Police were seeking a male following the attempted robbery of an individual on the street in Berhampore. The victim was not hurt in the incident, but initial information suggested the robbery may have involved a weapon, …

Bus stopped by armed cops after Berhampore robbery Read More »

Driver of silver Mazda identified in Porirua homicide investigation [updated]

Crime, News, Police / By

Police have identified and spoken to the driver of a silver Mazda RX8 they were looking for in relation to the homicide investigation into the death of Sosiua Helotu Ula in Porirua on Sunday 7 October. Police thank the public for assisting in the identification. EARLIER STORY FROM 16 OCTOBER Police believe Mr Ula was …

Driver of silver Mazda identified in Porirua homicide investigation [updated] Read More »

Third time unlucky for pharmacy robber

Crime, Hutt Valley, News, Police / By

A 29-year-old man will appear in the Hutt Valley District Court today charged with two counts of aggravated robbery and one count of attempted aggravated robbery after being arrested last night. The Queen Street Pharmacy in Upper Hutt was first robbed on the evening on Sunday7 October, when a man entered the store’s Andrews Lane …

Third time unlucky for pharmacy robber Read More »

Police seek witnesses to Hutt pharmacy holdup

Crime, Hutt Valley, News, Police / By

Wellington Police are investigating after a pharmacy was robbed on Queen Street, Upper Hutt on Saturday morning. Police were called about 10.50am, after a man was reported entering the pharmacy armed with a craft knife. He made off with a small amount of prescription medication. Police have carried out an area examination and are following …

Police seek witnesses to Hutt pharmacy holdup Read More »

Homicide investigation opened after death of man who fell from Mercedes

Crime, News / By

Wellington Police have opened a homicide investigation after the death of a man who fell from a vehicle in Porirua on Sunday. Just after 4.00pm on Sunday, Police and other emergency services were called to Warspite Avenue, where the man was located on the road with critical injuries. A team of detectives are working to …

Homicide investigation opened after death of man who fell from Mercedes Read More »

STEALM 4CRIME ? SCRWUP

Crime, News, Police / By

Police are holding Safer Plate initiatives following three months of increased licence plate thefts across the Hutt Valley. Licence plate thefts in the Hutt Valley have doubled since June, resulting in police patrols watching for criminal activity around vehicles, monitoring crime hotspots, and carrying out mandatory checks on commonly targeted vehicles as they crack down …

STEALM 4CRIME ? SCRWUP Read More »

“Silly” breaker of Water Whirler charged

Crime, News, Sculpture, Waterfront / By

The man who climbed up, swung on, then broke the wand of the kinetic Len Lye waterfront sculpture near Frank Kitts Park has been charged with intentional damage. Hunter Macdonald, 28, was originally charged with wilful damage, but police confirmed he is now facing the more serious charge of intentional damage. He will appear in …

“Silly” breaker of Water Whirler charged Read More »

Police seek public’s help with shooting and robbery [update: missing girl found]

Crime, News, Police / By

Police are asking the public to assist them with two incidents in the Hutt Valley on Sunday, and a missing persons report in Wadestown. Shooting in Stokes Valley Police are working to identify the person responsible for a shooting in Hanson Grove, Stokes Valley, at about 2:25am Sunday morning. “The victim is in a stable …

Police seek public’s help with shooting and robbery [update: missing girl found] Read More »

Water Whirler broken by swinger

Crime, News, Sculpture, Waterfront / By

The kinetic Len Lye sculpture Water Whirler, close to returning to action on the waterfront after more than a year of repairs, was broken yesterday by a man who climbed and swung on it. Screengrab from Facebook video by Sarik Eng. The man in his 20s was filmed climbing and swinging on the iconic sculpture …

Water Whirler broken by swinger Read More »

Police seek witnesses to Porirua incident

Crime, News, Police, Porirua / By

Police are appealing for any sightings of a black Mercedes, registration GPW495, after a man was critically injured in Porirua yesterday. The man was injured exiting a moving vehicle on Warspite Avenue, Porirua at about 4.00pm, and was taken to Wellington Hospital in a critical condition. Police would like to speak to anyone who saw …

Police seek witnesses to Porirua incident Read More »

Police seek help to identify man in critical condition after Porirua incident

Crime, News, Police, Porirua / By

Wellington Police are seeking the public’s help identifying a man in a critical condition who was involved in an incident in Porirua yesterday. Police reported that a man had “exited a car” on Warspite Avenue, with police and other emergency services attending the scene from 4.00pm on Sunday. The man was taken to Wellington Hospital …

Police seek help to identify man in critical condition after Porirua incident Read More »

Police seeking information after man shot in Stokes Valley

Crime, News, Police / By

Police are continuing to investigate after a 21-year-old man was shot from a passing vehicle in Hanson Grove, Stokes Valley early this morning. The man remains in hospital in a stable condition. Police have completed their scene examination in Hanson Grove and the scene guard is no longer in place. P00 comments awaiting moderationolice would …

Police seeking information after man shot in Stokes Valley Read More »

Police seek witnesses after cyclist injured in crash

Crime, News, Police / By

Police are keen to speak with anyone who witnessed a crash in Kapiti on Wednesday 3 October, in which a cyclist was injured. The crash involved a car and a cyclist and happened about 6.00pm on Raumati Rd in Paraparaumu. The driver left the scene in the car, which is described as a blue or …

Police seek witnesses after cyclist injured in crash Read More »

Paranormal activity to return in 2019, alongside ponies, history and colonial combat

Crime, Film, Media, News, Television / By

Acclaimed comedy-horror mockumentary series Wellington Paranormal will return to screens next year alongside a new series based on Stacy Gregg’s Pony Club books, and a range of indigenous and inclusive content. Wellington Paranormal, the What We Do In The Shadows spinoff produced by Taika Waititi and Jermaine Clement and featuring early childhood teacher and breakout …

Paranormal activity to return in 2019, alongside ponies, history and colonial combat Read More »

Man charged with murder after stabbing in Upper Hutt [updated]

Crime, Hutt Valley, News, Police / By

Police have charged a man with murder, after his arrest for assault on Golders Road, Elderslea in Upper Hutt shortly before 4:30pm yesterday afternoon. Emergency services were called to a scene after reports that a man had been stabbed. Despite efforts to revive him, the man was pronounced dead at the scene. The 37-year-old man …

Man charged with murder after stabbing in Upper Hutt [updated] Read More »

Police need help finding Porirua robber

Crime, News, Police / By

Police are appealing for information following an aggravated robbery at a convenience store on Corinna Street Porirua earlier this month. Shortly before 8:00pm on Thursday 6 September, a man with a firearm demanded money and cigarettes from staff at the Corinna Superette before fleeing on foot. No one was injured. The alleged offender was wearing …

Police need help finding Porirua robber Read More »

Second arrest made in Taita fatal assault

Crime, News, Police / By

Police making enquiries into the death of Faapaia Fonoilaepa in Taita on Friday night arrested a 50-year-old man in Hastings last night. Police allege he was an occupant of the silver station wagon seen leaving the incident. He has been charged with possession of a firearm and possession of a knife and was due to …

Second arrest made in Taita fatal assault Read More »

Police still seek public help with fatal Taita assault

Crime, News, Police / By

Police are continuing to investigate the fatal assault that occurred during a street fight in Taita on Friday 14 September. The female witness Police were seeking has now been located, and she is assisting with inquiries. Police are still looking to speak to the man who was seen leaving the area in a silver station …

Police still seek public help with fatal Taita assault Read More »

Art crime returns to Wellington

Arts, Crime, News, Visual Art / By

Provenance Matters is the theme for the fourth annual New Zealand Art Crime Symposium at City Gallery Wellington on Saturday. The all-day symposium is hosted by the New Zealand Art Crime Research Trust, whose trustees include Arthur Tompkins, who will give the welcoming and closing addresses. Tompkins is a District Court Judge and regular art …

Art crime returns to Wellington Read More »

Victim named in fatal Taita assault

Crime, News, Police / By

Police are continuing to investigate a fatal assault in Taita on Friday night, and have named the victim. He was Faapaia Fonoilaepa, 29, a painter from Avalon. Detective Senior Sergeant Tim Leitch says that the main focus for police is continuing the search for the man who left the scene following the assault, which happened …

Victim named in fatal Taita assault Read More »

Man wanted following fatal Taita assault

Crime, News, Police / By

Police are seeking information from witnesses after a 29-year-old man died from injuries sustained in an assault near the intersection of High Street and Burcham Street in Taita last night. Police were called to reports of a fight between a group of men on High Street at 7.45pm, and on arrival found a man had …

Man wanted following fatal Taita assault Read More »

Naenae Wheki tree thief potted in Wainuiomata

Conservation, Crime, Police / By

A 49-year-old man appeared in court on Tuesday in relation to the theft of 12 Wheki trees from Naenae’s Waiwhetu Stream in July. Photo by Bernard Spragg Following information from the public, ten trees were located at a property in Wainuiomata late last month, along with a large quantity of cannabis. The man was charged …

Naenae Wheki tree thief potted in Wainuiomata Read More »

Pharmacy robbed in Bunny Street

Crime, Police / By

Police are investigating the aggravated robbery of a pharmacy on Bunny Street, Wellington. Wellington District Command Centre Senior Sergeant Brett Simon reports that a man entered the store around midday and threatened two staff members. He stole cash and medications and ran off towards Featherston Street. The staff members were not injured, nor were two …

Pharmacy robbed in Bunny Street Read More »

Changes proposed for alcohol ban areas

Community, Council, Crime, Health, News / By

The Wellington City Council is reviewing the Liquor Control bylaw and has proposed some changes to the alcohol ban areas. The present bylaw expires in December and there have been law changes which mean it needs to be reviewed, says Social Development Portfolio Leader Councillor Brian Dawson. “Alcohol control bylaws are commonly used to manage …

Changes proposed for alcohol ban areas Read More »

Kilbirnie arsonist not asking for parole

Crime, News / By

More than 300 people lost their valuable possessions when Kiwi Self Storage in Kilbirnie was set on fire on 4 April 2014. The man convicted of that arson, Angelo Dominic Bitossi, was found guilty in December 2014 and is serving a sentence of eight years and six months. He did not ask for parole at …

Kilbirnie arsonist not asking for parole Read More »

Petone car thefts prompt Police call for precaution

Crime, News, Police / By

Police are urging people to take extra precautions following an increase in thefts from vehicles in Petone. The thefts have occurred from vehicles parked in public car parks on The Esplanade and at Percy’s Reserve during the past month. “While Police patrol these areas regularly, we encourage owners to keep vehicles safe by taking some …

Petone car thefts prompt Police call for precaution Read More »

Don’t mess with the cycle store

Crime, News, Police / By

A 29-year-old man who entered a cycle store in Lower Hutt this afternoon demanding that the attendant open the till got more than he bargained for. The man entered the store at 12.50pm, walking directly behind the counter and demanding that the staff member behind the counter open the till. The staff member refused, and …

Don’t mess with the cycle store Read More »

Information from public and Police Ten 7 leads to Hutt arrest

Crime, News, Police / By

Information received from the public, and responses to the television programme Police Ten 7, has resulted in the arrest of a man charged with an alleged indecent assault in Pine Avenue, Upper Hutt. A man was arrested yesterday by Wellington District Crime Squad officers after detectives and the victim appealed for public help through Police …

Information from public and Police Ten 7 leads to Hutt arrest Read More »

Hutt Hospital fugitive arrested in Featherston

Crime, News, Police / By

Police have located the 38-year-old man who escaped from custody at Hutt Hospital last Monday. Police have been conducting extensive enquiries to find Donald Keepa, who was located at an address in Featherston on Saturday night and arrested without incident. He has been returned to prison and will be charged with escaping custody.

Public help sought in search for fugitive

Crime, News, Police / By

Hutt Valley Police are appealing for the public’s help to locate Donald Keepa who has a warrant for his arrest. The 38-year-old is wanted for escaping custody after an incident at Hutt Hospital this morning. He was last seen in Avalon near Kennedy Good Bridge and State Highway 2. Keepa is 172cm tall, medium build, …

Public help sought in search for fugitive Read More »

Theft from cars drops with preventative policing

Crime / By

Three years of intelligence-led and preventative policing has helped to reduce car crime in a Wellington city area by almost half. Reports of theft from cars has dropped by 46 per cent in Te Aro compared to April 2015. “A lot of work has been done around encouraging parking building owners to upgrade their lighting …

Theft from cars drops with preventative policing Read More »

Stokes Valley shooter still at large

Crime, News / By

Hutt Valley Police are looking for the man alleged to have shot a person in the chest during a family harm incident yesterday afternoon in George Street, Stokes Valley. Inspector Scott Cooper said that police are undertaking “various inquiries at addresses around Lower Hutt to locate the alleged offender” but added, “we don’t believe they …

Stokes Valley shooter still at large Read More »