A Tauranga man has been charged over a vandalism spree targeting political hoardings, with Police warning potential copycats to think again.
Police say the first hoardings were targeted on Parton Road in Papamoa at around 6.30am on 10 September.
All up, about 30 hoardings of various kinds were damaged in a two-hour period across Papamoa, says Senior Sergeant Shannon Clifford, Area Manager – Response.
“The damage in some cases is significant and unfortunately, that’s an unnecessary cost for the people who own them,” said Snr Sgt Clifford.
“We won’t tolerate this illegal and destructive behaviour in our community.
“I’d like to thank those people who reported the damage as it was happening, their quick actions have helped us arrest a suspect that same day.
“It’s a warning to anyone wanting to damage or deface hoardings – actions have consequences.”
A 43-year-old Tauranga man faces four charges of wilful damage. He appeared in the Tauranga District Court on Saturday 11 September and was remanded on bail to reappear on 2 October.
Police would like to hear from anyone who has information about these incidents, including any dashcam or CCTV footage.
If you can help, please call 105 and quote file number 260910/0619.
