Net tightens on gun-toting vandals

The Department of Conservation (DOC) and police have been thrilled with amount of information that has come forward from the public in response to the vandalism of a public hut in the Mavora Lakes Park over Labour Weekend.

Vandals caused at least $7500 worth of damage to Boundary Hut, located in the popular, family-friendly park. Fence posts were ripped out of the ground and the iconic entrance turnstile was removed and burnt; hut decking was torn up for firewood, and food smeared throughout the hut’s interior. Most troubling, however, was the destruction of the toilet and water tanks, which were all shot at close range.

Sergeant Tod Hollebon, police officer in charge in Te Anau, said that a range of good quality information had been received in response to the incident, but that they would welcome any further details:

“Police are particularly interested in a green Mitsubishi L200 ute, with a couch on the back and three male passengers. The driver has been described as having a blonde mullet-style haircut.”

Grant Tremain, Conservation Services Manager for Fiordland District, said that the damage to Boundary Hut was the worst he had ever seen in 20 years of looking after huts and campsites. He was, however, heartened by the clear passion that the public has shown for Mavora Lakes Park:

“The level of public support and assistance that has been shown in helping to try and identify the people who did this has been amazing.”

“People clearly care very deeply about keeping Mavora Lakes Park a safe and family-friendly place to visit. It’s such a shame that the antisocial behaviour of a few people has the potential to spoil everyone’s enjoyment.”

The vandalism incident has lead to DOC questioning whether 4WD vehicle access to the park should be restricted.

In a separate event, police are also looking for any information relating to a blue Honda CRV which was involved in a single vehicle crash in Mavora Lakes Park during the early hours of Sunday morning on Labour weekend.

Police would be pleased to hear from anyone with information about these incidents, and this can be done anonymously by calling the Te Anau police 03 249 7600 or anonymously through Crime Stoppers 0800 555111.

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