Category: Security

Source: New Zealand Police (District News)

Attributable to Detective Senior Sergeant Phil Taylor, Whanganui area investigations manager:

A man has been charged with money laundering following multiple reports of a false investment scam circulating New Zealand.

Police have received multiple reports of a false term deposit scam where the offender/s claim to be investment advisors, receiving significant amounts of money from victims.

Scams of this nature are often internationally based and utilise New Zealanders as mules giving their scam a sense of legitimacy. 

The investigation into this series of scams has resulted in a 52 year old Whanganui man being arrested. He is due to appear in Whanganui District Court on Tuesday 22 August, on five charges of money laundering.

Enquiries into this scam continue.

It is important to be vigilant when online and carry out measures to prevent yourself from potentially being scammed.

There are several steps people can take to protect themselves from similar scams:

• Scams continue to evolve and use more sophisticated methods to deceive the public – the age-old saying “if it sounds too good to be true, it probably is”, is a good rule of thumb.

• We encourage people to research ‘broker’ companies online before engaging with them.

• Scammers will pose as brokers for a number of established banks.

• Check out the Financial Markets Authority’s website as they publish the names of suspicious companies on their website.

• Always talk to your bank or another financial professional before making large online investments.

• If returns are higher than usually seen, it’s probably the sign of a red flag. Be sure to do your research and make sure the website is legitimate.

ENDS
 

Issued by Police Media Centre

Source: New Zealand Police (District News)

Police can advise that one person has passed away following a crash on Great South Road, Taupiri that occurred on Wednesday 9 August.

He was 80-year-old Raymond Bartholomew Matthews from Hamilton.

Initially, he was transported to hospital in a critical condition and subsequently died from his injuries.

Our thoughts are with his family at this difficult time.

An investigation into the crash remains ongoing.

ENDS

Issued by Police Media Centre

Source: New Zealand Police (District News)

A group of Chinese nationals visiting New Zealand for a long-anticipated holiday have left feeling grateful after one officer went above and beyond the call of duty.

The family arrived in New Zealand in July and had been staying in a rental property in Mellons Bay when they were the victims of a burglary.

A number of items were stolen, including an iPad, MacBook and laptops.

One of the laptops contained an extremely important document for the victim’s work.

Constable Daniel Yee, of the Counties Manukau East Tactical Crime Unit, was quick to execute a search warrant at a nearby property where the laptop was believed to be.

Counties Manukau East Area Commander, Inspector Rod Honan says a number of stolen items were recovered during the search, along with around 34 grams of methamphetamine, 33 grams of cannabis, and cash.

“However the laptop containing the important document was not located,” Inspector Honan says.

“A forensic examination from the recovered property provided a new line of enquiry and another search warrant was executed at a different address.

“We recovered more stolen property but still hadn’t found the laptop. Following further discussions with occupants, the laptop was eventually handed back to Police by another associate.

“This is a great example of our staff building trust and confidence in our communities.”

The laptop has since been returned to the victim before his return to China and as a token of his appreciation, Constable Yee received a handwritten thank you note and small gift.

A 38-year-old man from Cockle Bay will face charges in relation to the incident.

ENDS.

Holly McKay/NZ Police 

Source: New Zealand Police (District News)

The road is now open following an earlier crash on Manukau Rd, Epsom this morning.

One person remains in a critical condition and another person is in a serious condition following the single vehicle crash.

Police thank motorists for their understanding while the road was closed.

ENDS.

Holly McKay/NZ Police 

Source: New Zealand Police (District News)

Police have arrested five people overnight following an aggravated robbery at an Onehunga dairy yesterday.

Police were called to the store on Mount Smart Road at about 8.40pm after a report of five people entering the shop, with one armed with a knife.

Detective Senior Sergeant Scott Armstrong, Auckland City District CIB, says a staff member activated the fog cannon before running from the store.

“The victim was unharmed, but understandably shaken by the incident,” he says.

One of the alleged offenders has jumped onto the counter in an attempt to block the fog cannon.

The offenders have stolen a number of items before fleeing in a vehicle.

At around 12.25am Police were conducting prevention patrols around Oranga Ave when they spotted the driver of a vehicle acting suspiciously.

“The vehicle fled a short distance before stopping, with the driver surrendering to Police,” Detective Senior Sergeant Armstrong says.

“Another vehicle travelling in tandem with the other car was quickly picked up by the Police helicopter, Eagle, which maintained observations until it came to a stop on Scout Avenue, Mt Roskill.”

Four people were quickly apprehended and believed to be linked to the earlier aggravated robbery.

“We are pleased to have been able to make quick arrests in this matter, and hope it brings reassurance to the victim and the wider community.”

Three people, aged 14-16, will appear in Auckland Youth Court today.

A further two people have been referred to Youth Aid Services.

ENDS.

Holly McKay/NZ Police 

Source: New Zealand Police (District News)

State Highway 29 is partially blocked after multiple trucks have become stuck due to icy roads, on the Kaimai Range.

One of the eastbound lanes are blocked.

Police advise Motorists to expect delays, take care and drive to the conditions if travelling over the Kaimai Range this morning.

ENDS

Issued by Police media Centre.

Source: New Zealand Police (District News)

Emergency services are in attendance at a serious crash in Manukau Road, Epsom this morning.

The crash was reported to Police at about 4.45am.

Two people have been taken to hospital, one in a critical condition and one with serious injuries, following the single vehicle crash.

Manukau Road between Pah Road and Banff Avenue has been closed and diversions are in place.

The Serious Crash Unit is in attendance.

Motorists are asked to avoid the area or expect delays.

ENDS.

Holly McKay/NZ Police