Ambulances Vandalized in Manukau, Police Investigating

Counties Manukau Police are investigating after vandals broke into a St John ambulance yard in Manukau, Auckland, over the weekend, rendering three ambulances temporarily unusable. The incident, which occurred on Saturday night at the station on the corner of Plunket Avenue and Wiri Station Road, has been condemned by both St John and police officials.

Details of the Vandalism

According to Senior Sergeant Roelof Burger of Counties Manukau Police, the offenders punctured five tires on three ambulances using a sharp object. “These are destructive actions, and consequences of actions such as this can put people’s lives at risk,” Burger stated.

Andy Everiss, St John Auckland District Operations Manager, expressed disappointment at the “unwarranted attack,” emphasizing the vital role ambulance vehicles play in serving the community. “These actions show great disrespect to our people, who rely on these vehicles to do lifesaving work every day,” Everiss said.

Impact on Emergency Services

While St John confirmed the incident did not severely impact emergency ambulance response, the inoperable vehicles will be out of service for a period of time, potentially affecting response times. Burger noted that the actions taken by the vandals could directly endanger lives by limiting the availability of emergency medical care.

Police Investigation and Public Appeal

Police are actively investigating the incident and are appealing to the public for information. They are requesting anyone with CCTV or dashcam footage from the Plunket Avenue and Wiri Station Rd areas to come forward. Information can be provided online, by calling 105, or anonymously through Crime Stoppers at 0800 555 111.

Counties Manukau Police District Overview

The Counties Manukau Police District serves a population of approximately 524,000 residents, covering an area from Franklin in the south to Otahuhu in the west. The district is known for its diverse ethnicities. For general inquiries, the Counties Manukau Police Station can be reached at (09) 261 1300.

You can find more information about the Counties Manukau Police on their Facebook page.