Counties Manukau South Police are continuing the investigation into a Police car that was deliberately set alight in Pukekohe just after midnight on Friday 6 March.
A Police unit had parked the car on the corner of Princess Street and Beatty Road and were conducting foot patrols in Pukekohe North when they were alerted by their supervisor to the fact that their car was on fire.
The Fire Service was called and the fire was extinguished. No one was injured but the patrol car was extensively damaged.
Detective Kiley Dalbeth of Counties Manukau South CIB says that it has been established that the fire was set deliberately.
“Investigations to this point have determined that this was definitely an arson attack on a Police patrol vehicle,” says Detective Dalbeth. “A petrol bomb, also known as a molotov cocktail, was located nearby.
“We are now looking for any information members of the public may have that can help us identify who may have been responsible for this attack.”
Inspector Mick Woods of Pukekohe Police says that the vast majority of the community in Pukekohe North are supportive of Police in the area.
“A number of people a shocked at the news of this incident and it is disappointing for everyone that a small part of the community has acted out in response to the positive proactive work we have been doing in the area,” says Inspector Woods.
Police encourage members of the public to always call 111 when suspicious behaviour is noticed at any time of the day or night.
Anyone who has information about the fire is asked to contact Pukekohe Police on 09 237 1700. To provide information anonymously please contact the organisation Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
ENDS
Issued by Kimberley Mathews/Communications Manager, Counties Manukau Police
021 192 0717