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Police arrest five people after home invasion
Police continue to investigate robbery
A 26-year-old man was arrested on Thursday and charged in relation to Tuesday’s Kummer Cres home invasion.
The robbery involved three armed men who stole from four people at their home.
Siaumau Christopher Lote Telea appeared before Judge Barbara Morris in Masterton District Court on Thursday charged with robbing a woman with a gun and taking $700 and 50 grams of Port Royal Tobacco.
Police opposed his bail and he has been remanded in custody until May 21 when he will be able to apply for legal aid.
The investigation into the home invasion led to Wairarapa Police carrying out two search warrants at 6.15am on Thursday, with the help of Wellington District Police.
They arrested five people in total for offences including aggravated robbery, cannabis supply, and firearms possession.
An air rifle, an imitation pistol, the sawn-off stock of a rifle or shotgun, cannabis, and cash [indicating drug supply for sale] were recovered from two houses at High St, Solway, and Harley St.
Detective Senior Sergeant Barry Bysouth said some of those arrested were released from custody pending further inquiries.
“We will continue to investigate this serious offending.
“We have examined the Kummer Cres scene and are awaiting forensic results, which will hopefully give us more information as to the identity of the other offenders at the robbery.
“I would anticipate further arrests in the near future.
“Everyone should be safe in their homes and this type of activity can result in trauma which lasts a long time.
“It is important that police act quickly in this type of situation, not only to give the family in this case reassurance but also to prevent further offending of a similar nature and to keep our community safe.”
Bysouth said police were still looking for a sawn-off firearm with a black wooden stock and “would appreciate the public’s help in locating this or any other firearms which are unlawfully held in the community”.
Among Thursday’s arrests was a 22-year-old woman who was breaching an electronic bail and had cut off her bracelet.
The woman was given a second chance in Masterton District Court on Thursday after she was charged with removing her electronic ankle bracelet and throwing it Henley Lake last week during Alert Level 4.
Judge Barbara Morris told the court because the woman had no prior criminal record 12 months ago, she didn’t see the point in keeping her at Arohata Women’s Prison until her sentencing date on June 3, but warned that if it happened again, jail is what she would be choosing for herself.
- Call Wairarapa Police on 06 370 0300 or phone Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 if you have information about Tuesday’s home invasion.
