A female driver was arrested and locked up in Arorangi Prison early Saturday morning, following a crash on the main road at Matavera.

Police were called to the scene shortly after 2am. 

The female driver, who claimed to have fallen asleep at the wheel, crashed into the side near the rear of an oncoming car. She was breathalysed at more than double the legal limit.

She was bailed later from prison and will appear in court this coming Thursday.

A police spokesperson said no one was injured.

“However, the crash is a clear demonstration of how the continued stupidity of drinking and driving can risk the safety of innocent road users. There is a seeming inevitability of tragedy on our roads and no amount of examples appears to make a difference to this message,” the spokesperson said.

“Please, if anyone is going out for a night on the town, organise a sober driver!   The price to pay may otherwise be too much to bear – for you and your family.  Drive safe.”

Police also acted swiftly to put the clamps on two reported incidents of theft. 

The first complaint was reported late Saturday morning with key information about a suspect involved in items stolen from a Takuvaine residence. That suspect was located and a range of items returned.

The second incident of theft, also reported late Saturday morning, involved a male suspect seen on camera in a Nikao store. That person was located, and subsequently admitted to the offence.  He was arrested and charged, and bailed to appear in court this week.

• Police Media