Great Barrier residents are being urged to consider locking doors, and reporting suspicious activity directly to local Police following a series of reports regarding a suspicious male in the Okupu area.
Concerns were raised yesterday after an Okupu resident reported a male stopping outside a property and peering inside. The individual was described as a dark-skinned male with a moustache, riding a push bike.
The resident reported catching the man on the road in the evening staring through the window in a “creepy way.” Upon being noticed, the individual reportedly lingered before turning around and slowly leaving.
Other locals reported similar sightings, describing the man acting evasively and “dodgy”. A sighting in Claris described a man matching the description riding a push bike.
Residents are advised to report illegal behaviour directly to Police. Immediate reporting helps Police locate individuals of interest while they are still in the area.
You can contact the Great Barrier Police station directly on 09 429 0343. If there is an immediate emergency or you feel your safety is threatened, call 111.
Regarding trespassing, a verbal warning is sufficient to trespass someone from your property. You must make it clear they are not welcome and must leave. If they refuse to leave after being warned, or if they return within two years, they are committing an offence.
Police advise against putting yourself in danger. Do not approach suspicious individuals if you feel unsafe. Instead, take note of their physical description, clothing, any distinct features, and their direction of travel.
Footage from hunting cameras, home security systems, or CCTV is often vital evidence for Police to identify individuals and successfully prosecute for trespassing or other offences.
