Twenty people have been arrested, a further 45 trespassed from the Kaingaroa Forest near Rotorua and a slew of possessions impounded after a three week investigation targeting theft, cannabis offending and unlawful activity in the forest.
The officer in charge of the operation, Inspector Scott Fraser, said police worked with Timberlands and its security company on the operation, which involved deployment into the forest and surrounding areas.
He said the Kaingaroa Forest covered a vast area from Rotorua and Kawerau, down to the Napier-Taupo Highway.
"Due to its size and nature, the forest is often used by criminals, including people associated with organised crime groups, to cultivate cannabis over the summer months, while there has also been a noticeable increase in the theft and damage of property and machinery in the forest.''
The first phase of the operation ran on November 24 and 25, and resulted in four arrests for receiving stolen goods and trespass, said Inspector Fraser.
Seventeen trespass notices were issued and two stolen vehicles were recovered. A further two arrests were made in Murupara for unlawful taking and disqualified driving, and another stolen vehicle was recovered.
The second phase ran on 29 and 30 November and resulted in 10 arrests for unlawful hunting, trespass, disqualified driving, suspended driving and careless driving. Two of those arrested were wanted on previous warrants to arrest. One vehicle was impounded and more than 20 trespass notices were issued.
The third phase took place on December 10 and 11 and resulted in four arrests for unlawful hunting, unlawful possession of a firearm and disqualified driving. One vehicle was impounded, two guns were seized and eight trespass notices issued.
"On one occasion, the offenders fled from Timberlands' staff who later recovered the vehicle crashed into a ditch. Two of the three offenders had run away from the vehicle but were successfully tracked by a Police dog and its handler,'' said Mr Fraser.
"This particular vehicle had clearly been involved in the theft of diesel, as it was carrying two large containers and a siphon hose.''
He said police and the security company had already noticed a significant decrease in unlawful activity in the forest since the operation commenced.
Timberlands Forest Risk Manager, Colin Maunder, said the company was pleased with the results of the operation, which is ultimately about protecting the area.
Inspector Fraser said Bay of Plenty police and partners would continue to monitor the forest to target unlawful activity.
