Joint operation sees 20 arrests and 45 trespassed from Kaingaroa Forest

Twenty people have been arrested and a further 45 trespassed from the Kaingaroa Forest after a three week Police and partners operation to address theft, cannabis offending and unlawful activity in the forest.

The officer in charge of the operation, Inspector Scott Fraser, says Police worked with Timberlands and its security company on the operation, which involved deployment into the forest and surrounding areas on three two-day phases.

"Kaingaroa Forest covers a vast area from Rotorua and Kawerau, down to the Napier-Taupo Highway.

"Due to its size and nature, the forest is often used by criminals, including people associated with organised crime groups, to cultivate cannabis over the summer months, while there has also been a noticeable increase in the theft and damage of property and machinery in the forest.

"This activity not only impacts on the ability of people employed to work in the forest to do their job, but also puts the forest at risk of fire and people in danger.

Inspector Fraser says Bay of Plenty Police and its partners will continue to run operations and have a visible presence in the forest to target unlawful activity.

"Kaingaroa Forest is an important operation for the Bay of Plenty district and its local economy and we will continue to focus on disrupting unlawful activity in the area."

Inspector Fraser says the first phase ran on 24 and 25 November and resulted in four arrests for receiving stolen goods and trespass. Seventeen trespass notices were issued and two stolen vehicles were recovered. A further two arrests were made in Murupapa for unlawful taking and disqualified driving, and a further stolen vehicle was recovered.

The second phase ran on 29 and 30 November and resulted in 10 arrests for unlawful hunting, trespass, disqualified driving, suspended driving and careless driving. Two of those arrested were wanted on previous warrants to arrest. One vehicle was impounded and more than 20 trespass notices were issued.

The third phase took place on 10 and 11 December and resulted in four arrests for unlawful hunting, unlawful possession of a firearm and disqualified driving. One vehicle was impounded and two firearms were seized and eight trespass notices were issued.

"On one occasion, the offenders fled from Timberlands staff who later recovered the vehicle crashed into a ditch. Two of the three offenders had run away from the vehicle but were successfully tracked by a Police dog and its handler.

"This particular vehicle had clearly been involved in the theft of diesel, as it was carrying two large containers and a siphon hose.

"Police and Timberlands have already noticed a significant decrease in unlawful activity in the forest since the operation commenced, and we hope that this decrease will carry on as our operation and presence in the forest continues."

Timberlands Forest Risk Manager, Colin Maunder, says the company is pleased with the results of the operation, which is ultimately about protecting the area.

"All people wanting to hunt or fish or work in the forest are required to obtain permits before entering the area. This allows us to set conditions about where and when people can go, and for what purpose.

"This isn't about restricting everyday access, but it is about protecting the trees from serious risk such as fire, and about protecting property and our people from harm."

Mr Maunder says Timberlands will continue to work with Police and other partners to help protect the forest and its operations.