Buyers beware Waikato Police warn the public following Facebook robberies

Acting Detective Sergeant Paul Galletta of the Te Awamutu CIB said a warrant to arrest for robbery by assault has been issued for 27-year-old Tokoroa man Moanaroa KIDWELL. “A known associate of the Nomads gang, Kidwell is wanted in relation to the 02 March sale of a motorbike to a victim who he contacted via Facebook. “The victim put the money in KIDWELL’S account but when he drove to the address in Hamilton where he was supposed to uplift the motorbike, no-one at the block of flats knew anything about it.” Mr Galletta said a second offence took place on 09 March where a victim again made contact with KIDWELL through Facebook to purchase a motorbike and arranged to meet him at Hamilton’s Five Crossroads. “The victim has driven up from Taranaki but no-one appeared at the agreed spot and was lured to a rural Gordonton address. Waved in through the gateway by a Caucasian male the victim was then confronted by a gunman demanding his money.” Mr Galletta said despite the victim complying with the offender’s demands he was forced to lay on the ground and heard the gunman arguing with his accomplice over whether he should shoot the victim or not and had the gun pressed into the back of his head. “A third offence took place on the 17th of March and, like the previous victims, the sale of a motorbike to a South Waikato man was arranged through a Facebook site. “In this robbery the victim agreed to purchase a motorbike at a property on the outskirts of Kihikihi. Waved up the driveway of the address he was confronted by a gunman who stepped out of trees and demanded money or he would kill him.” Mr Galletta said the victim tried to get away in his vehicle but as he was trying to drive off the gunman discharged the shotgun towards him, grazing the side of his head and putting a hole in the roof of his vehicle. “As a result of our inquiries following these incidents Police searched a Tokoroa address last week and a Hamilton property today to try and locate KIDWELL but he remains at large. “Kidwell is believed to be actively avoiding Police in the company of a female and travelling in a silver Subaru sedan, registration number EKY117. A Pacific Island male of solid build and about 180cm tall, KIDWELL is believed to be armed and should not be approached.” Mr Galletta warned that anyone assisting KIDWELL, who has connections throughout the Waikato and Bay of Plenty, is also likely to face prosecution. Anyone who sees KIDWELL or who has information on his whereabouts is asked to contact Mr Galletta at the Te Awamutu Police Station on 07 8720100. Alternatively, information can be left anonymously with the independent Crimestoppers on 0800555111. —