Police are investigating a number of burglaries in Te Awamutu over the last few days, including the burglary of Te Awamutu Police Station overnight on 13 September 2016.
In this burglary, two office areas were searched and several items of Police uniform were taken. This includes a Police tunic and shirts, Police baton (extendable and long handled), handcuffs, OC spray and stab-resistant body armour. A police officer’s personal car was also damaged the following night.
These items could potentially be used to impersonate a Police officer and Police remind anyone who is approached by an officer to establish their identity if in doubt. Similarly, anyone acting suspiciously or who does not appear to be genuine should be reported to Police.
Police also remind those responsible that it is a crime to impersonate a Police officer and this offence carries a maximum penalty under the Police Act of 12 months in prison and a fine of $15,000.
Area Commander Inspector Naila Hassan says local police have noticed a spike in dishonesty crime over the past three days in Te Awamutu and are responding to this. However, they are also asking the public to be aware of suspicious activity in and around the neighbourhood.
“If it looks or sounds suspicious it will be so please don’t hesitate to call 111,” she says. “We would rather hear from you than miss an opportunity to apprehend these offenders.”
Anyone with any information that may assist in this investigation is asked to contact Detective Sergeant Bill Crowe at Te Awamutu Police Station. Alternatively, anonymous information can be reported via Crimestoppers on 0800 555 11.
ENDS
Issued by Police Media Centre