Bomb defused at policeman’s home

Press, 28 December 1987, Page 1

Bomb defused at policeman’s home

PA Wellington Families from 10 Masterton houses were allowed to return home yesterday afternoon after the police "rendered safe” a bomb found in a policeman’s home on Saturday evening. They were evacuated about midnight after the policeman arrived home to find his house broken into, a police spokesman, Inspector Tony Lettica, said yesterday. He would not reveal details of the explosive device, but described it as “improvised.” The bomb was “rendered safe” yesterday morning. Six forensic and explosives experts from Wellington were called in and inquiries were continuing. Mr Lettica would not reveal the policeman’s name because of the sensitive nature of the case.

He said the incident was frightening and he was worried about the welfare of his staff. He described similar incidents over the last two years as nasty. A policewoman’s pet dog was shot dead in her driveway by a bullet from a large calibre rifle, a constable had his home broken into and set on fire and an attempt was made to fire-bomb a sergeant’s house when his three children and mother-in-law were inside. A youth was arrested on this occasion. The Carterton police Station was fire-bombed and recently -bricks .were thrown through a window. / The police did not know the true motives for the incidents. "We deal day to day with local . criminals who are a hard-headed bunch who resort to violence,” Mr Lettica said.