Police investigating laser pointing incidents

Police are investigating reports from pilots of laser strike attacks in both Hutt Valley and Auckland overnight.

Last night a passenger plane on route to Wellington Airport was targeted at about 10,500 feet.

The laser is believed to have originated from the Trentham area, south of Upper Hutt, near the motorway.

Earlier this morning several international flights approaching Auckland Airport were also targeted.

In this instance the strike was believed to be coming from the Weymouth area.

Police inquiries into both matters are continuing.

All reports of laser strikes are treated seriously by Police and investigated, charges for those caught can be significant.

When Police receive reports of laser strikes a range of inquiries are made and where possible the Eagle helicopter will fly to the area to try to pinpoint and track the visual line of the laser.

Anyone caught is likely to face charges such as endangering transport or criminal nuisance.

“Anyone using a laser pointer on an aircraft is putting the lives of those on board in serious danger.

While to the person pointing the laser, it may just be a little dot of light, whereas for the person on the other end, it is a large illumination that can cause eye damage, flash blindness and headaches,” said Senior Constable Shane Gealey, Tactical Flight Officer, Air Support Unit.

Last month, a Mangere man was identified and charged with endangering transport and is currently before the courts.

Also just this week the Police Eagle helicopter was hit by a laser strike over Otahuhu, on this occasion the offender was located and they have been referred to Youth Aid.

In 2015/2016 year, the Police Eagle helicopter suffered 10 major laser strikes and there have been numerous occasions where a laser has been spotted from the Eagle but there has been no direct hit.

ENDS

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