Three balaclava-clad women in a car have sparked a police search involving patrol cars from Queenstown, Cromwell and Wanaka.
Southern District Command Centre deployment co-ordinator Senior Sergeant Brian Benn said a member of the public contacted police about 1.10pm yesterday after seeing a car in Cromwell containing ''men wearing balaclavas''.
At least four cars were dispatched to find a grey Nissan Pulsar which had been seen turning into State Highway 6 from McNulty Rd, heading towards the Kawarau Gorge.
Snr Sgt Benn said the callout turned out to be a ''bit of a prank gone wrong''.
The vehicle was stopped near Cromwell a short time later.
''It turned out to be three young women acting the fool with balaclavas that they'd bought from the likes of the $2 shop.''
The women were ''totally unaware'' of the effect of their actions.
''They were very embarrassed and apologetic.''
