Man arrested after 30 election hoardings damaged in 'vandalism spree'

A Tauranga man has been arrested after an alleged "vandalism spree" that saw around 30 political hoardings damaged in two hours.

The first hoardings on Parton Road in Papamoa were hit at around 6.30am on September 10.

Senior Sergeant Shannon Clifford said that during the alleged two-hour spree, about 30 hoardings were damaged.

“The damage in some cases is significant, and unfortunately, that’s an unnecessary cost for the people who own them," Clifford said.

“We won’t tolerate this illegal and destructive behaviour in our community.”

A 43-year-old Tauranga man appeared in the Tauranga District Court on Saturday, September 11, facing four charges of wilful damage. He was remanded on bail and is due to reappear on October 2. 

“I’d like to thank those people who reported the damage as it was happening, their quick actions have helped us arrest a suspect that same day," Clifford said.

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“It’s a warning to anyone wanting to damage or deface hoardings – actions have consequences.

"Police would like to hear from anyone who has information about these incidents, including any dashcam or CCTV footage."