Booze bus catches six EBAs

Six people were caught drink driving in Whakatāne last Thursday night, disappointing local police.

The Booze Bus initially set up at the top of the Mokorua Hill in the early evening before moving to the Landing Road Bridge.

The next morning, several cars could be seen parked on the side of the road near the bridge.

Road policing manager Sergeant Shane Tailby said this result was “not good”, especially on a Thursday evening.

Those charged with driving with excess breath alcohol will appear in court.

Police recruitment seminar

A police recruitment seminar will be held tonight for anyone interested in joining the police.

Registration is required and can be completed by emailing [email protected].

The seminar runs from 5.30pm until 7pm and will be held at the Ministry of Social Development building.

More information about the police application process can be found at newcops.govt.nz.

Missing digger

Police are still seeking information regarding a stolen $100,000 digger.

A digger similar to the CAT 272D Skid Steer Loader, pictured, was stolen overnight on Saturday, March 15.

The digger was stolen from Edgecumbe, driven along the stock bank until it reached the Rugby Club, and then taken onto the road.

It was last seen at 4.45am on March 16 driving along West Bank Road.

Anyone with any information can contact Whakatāne Police.

Farmlands burglary

Farmlands Whakatāne was burgled and $10,000 in tools stolen.

The business on Commerce Street was broken into over the course of two nights.

Entry was gained via an old disused door at the back of the property.

Stolen vehicles in Kawerau and Edgecumbe

Two vehicles were reported stolen from Kawerau over the weekend and another from Edgecumbe.

A green Toyota Hilux was stolen while parked outside a Hardie Avenue address on Friday.

On Saturday, a red Ford Fiesta, was stolen from Ion Road.

A vehicle was stolen from a driveway on Otakiri Road.

The vehicle was locked, but keys to the vehicle were found by the offender inside an unlocked shed on the property.

Lawnmowers coveted

A property on Galatea Road has had a MTD ride-on lawnmower stolen.

The perpetrator stole the mower on Friday.

The shed at the rear of the property was broken into, and the lawnmower taken.

Meanwhile, there was an attempted theft of a lawnmower at Te Mahoe School.

The school caretaker’s shed was broken into, and an attempt made to take the lawnmower.

Crossing the centreline crashes

Police remind the public to stay vigilant and abide by road markings to avoid accidents.

Road policing manager Sergeant Shane Tailby said there have been recent crashes caused by people crossing the centreline and cutting corners.

“People need to remain in their lanes,” he said.