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Police are seeking information about wilful damage to ambulances in south Auckland.
The incidents occurred at Hato Hone St John bases in Manukau Station on February 28 and at the Otahuhu Station on April 9.
In total, six ambulances have had their tyres slashed.
Police are keeping an open mind as to whether the two crimes are linked, Detective Senior Sergeant Mike Hayward says.
“In both events, an offender has illegally gained access to the stations’ compounds before slashing tyres,” he says.
“This sort of offending is extremely reckless, given the ambulances were rendered inoperable. It’s thoughtless and risks the lives of anyone who required urgent medical care during the period that ambulances were out of action.”
St John staff first noticed the damage at the Manukau base as they prepared to respond to a priority job.
Angela Jardine, St John acting Auckland district operations manager, confirms that damaging ambulances can cost lives.
“Ambulances are a critical part of the emergency response system. When vehicles are taken out of service, it has the potential to delay care for patients who need urgent medical help,” she says.
“Our people come to work to care for others, and incidents like this are incredibly frustrating.”
Police are seeking any information that might help identify those responsible for both wilful damage incidents.
- Manukau Station: Offending occurred overnight between February 28 and 1 March 1
- Otahuhu Station: Offending occurred overnight between April 8 and 9
Police are calling on anyone with information to come forward.
“There will be people in the community that know who is responsible and they need to do the right thing and come forward,” Hayward adds.
Contact police via 105.police.govt.nz, or call 105, using the reference number 260409/0402. Information can also be reported anonymously via Crime Stoppers on 0800 555 111.
