Arrest after tyres slashed

Constable Martin Barham with some of the evidence Wanaka police used to charge a 20-year-old man over the damage to 54 vehicles in the resort two months ago. Photo by Matthew Haggart.

A 20-year-old Wanaka man will face a criminal damage charge next week in relation to a tyre-slashing rampage through the resort in June.

Police arrested the man after a two-month investigation into a series of attacks on 54 vehicles during the weekend of June 4-5.

Wanaka sub-area commander Senior Sergeant Allan Grindell said the man was arrested last Friday and a "representative" charge of criminal damage had been laid against him.

Most of the damage, to 54 cars parked on roads and at several businesses in Wanaka, involved pierced tyres.

Several vehicles had also been scratched and had had their wing mirrors torn off, Snr Sgt Grindell said.

Police were not prepared to reveal the man's occupation as it could compromise his right to seek name suppression at next week's court hearing, Snr Sgt Grindell said.

Police are still investigating the incident and a further arrest could be made, Radio Wanaka reported.