Bay of Plenty Police are seeing an increase in the use of counterfeit money in the region.
On Wednesday, Tokoroa Police arrested a 38-year-old local man after he allegedly paid for goods with counterfeit notes.
The man was in possession of a large amount of these notes and it is likely more are still circulating in the community.
In the past few weeks Police have responded to a number of incidents where counterfeit notes have been presented at small businesses.
There have also been reports of counterfeit money being used across the North Island from Hamilton to Wellington.
The notes are printed on paper which can tear easily as opposed to legal tender which is printed on polymer.
Two people have been arrested following an assault at a property in Glen Street, Timaru last night.
Detective Senior Sergeant Richard Quested says Police were called to the address about 7.30pm and found a man with injuries to his hand, believed to have been caused by a sharp weapon.
Police have not yet found the weapon and ask anyone in the Glen Street, Ayr Street, Tweedie Park, Essex Street and Selwyn Street area to please check their property.
“We are also interested in sightings of a quad bike being ridden in the area at that time last night,” Senior Sergeant Quested says.
Please attribute to Detective Senior Sergeant Tim Leitch:
A joint Police and Customs operation has led to the arrest of three people for importing methamphetamine.
Operation Torpedo began after Customs officers intercepted a package containing two kilograms of liquid methamphetamine sent in a courier parcel from Thailand to an address in Wellington in March.
A further package containing a kilogram of methamphetamine was intercepted in late April.
In total, three kilograms of methamphetamine, amounting to over 60,000 doses, were intercepted.
“The joint operation has directly prevented this drug from getting on to Wellington streets and causing irreparable harm to our communities.
Attributable to Hamilton City Area Commander, Inspector Andrea McBeth:
A 18-year-old Cambridge man has been charged with murder in relation to an incident in Nawton, Hamilton.
A 43-year-old man died following the incident at an address in Aileen Place this morning.
The 18-year-old is appearing in Hamilton District Court on the murder charge tomorrow.
We are still in the early stages of the investigation, however, we are not seeking any further people in connection with the matter.
ENDS
Police are attending a serious crash involving a car and motorbike on SH2, Pukehina.
One person was taken to hospital in a serious condition
Diversions will be in place, the road is likely to be closed for the next couple of hours.
Detours will likely be Old Coach Road/SH2 and Ohinepaena Road/SH2.
Serious Crash Unit are in attendance.
ENDS