A vigilant member of the public has been praised for their assistance in the arrest of a man following complaints of poaching in south Wairarapa.
Around 6.40pm Wairarapa Police were called to White Rock Rd after reports of shots being fired from a moving vehicle.
The vehicle was seen to be driving up and down the road in an area that had previously been targeted by poachers.
Shortly after the call a 45-year-old Masterton man was arrested and a firearm was located.
A subsequent search warrant carried out at his Masterton address recovered further hunting equipment, including ammunition.
Response Manager, Acting Senior Sergeant Jennifer Hansen said locals were more aware of poachers due to previous incidents in the area, and encouraged members of the public to contact police. “This time the caller also attained a registration, which is great and certainly made things easier for us,” she said.
“There are times when members of the public are unsure whether or not to call us.
“In this instance, not only has an offence been committed, but this is a safety issue and affects business for farms in the area.
“We absolutely want to be made aware so we can target those responsible and prevent further offending.”
The man has been bailed to appear in the Masterton District Court on Monday August 6 and faces charges of possession of a firearm without a licence, poaching and possession of cannabis.
ENDS
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