Booze and bullets don't mix say Police after King Country shooting

Waikato Police are urging people to use common sense and not mix booze with bullets after two recent incidents in the King Country.

Officer in charge of Benneydale Station, Senior Constable Bill Eivers, said Police were aware of two incidents which were of considerable concern.

"On Tuesday night two Department of Conservation workers were working with native bats in the Pureora Forest between 10.30-11.55pm when they heard a car driving down the road.

"They've then heard shots come from the car and it is suspected the occupants were illegally spotlighting.

Aside from the obvious risk to the workers from the shots one of the DOC workers returned to their vehicle to find the rear window smashed."

Mr Eivers said in the light of the next day the DOC worker discovered a bullet hole in one of the rear pillars of the car.

"At this stage we believe the occupants of the car were shooting at rabbits.

We don't think the workers' car was deliberately targeted because it was parked off the road and would not have been able to be seen in the dark.

"Regardless of that however is the fact that the parties concerned have been shooting from a vehicle on the road and shooting at night in a forest park.

Shooting at night in forest or national parks is illegal and this incident clearly shows why."

Mr Eivers said his investigations have revealed this was not an isolated case.

"The area where the DOC workers were is near the Kakaho campsite and is accessed by Link Rd.

"Located at this campsite were a number of spent rifle cartridges, beer bottles and a shot up sign indicating to us Tuesday night's incident was not a one off."

Mr Eivers said Police would like to speak to anyone with information on who may have been responsible for Tuesday night's shooting or for the damage at the Kakaho campsite.

"Our message is clear; the ownership of firearms and a firearms licence is a privilege and comes with a lot of responsibility on the part of the firearms owner.

"Fail to meet those responsibilities and you may find that you lose your license.

Booze and bullets don't mix and Police will take the appropriate action against anyone found misusing the two."

Anyone with information on either incident is asked to contact Mr Eivers at the Benneydale Police Station on 07 8781370.

Alternatively, information can be left anonymously with the independent Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.

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