Deb Hann
I’d like to start by acknowledging the loss of life in Pirongia and destruction to property across the region following the serious flooding and weather events impacting our area this past week.
Deb Hann – Senior Constable at the Cambridge Farmers’ Market. Photo: Mary Anne Gill
The effects, I know, are deeply felt and ongoing. At the time of writing, Waipā District Council advise everyone to stay alert, avoid flooded areas and take note of road closures in place. If you need help, call the council’s call centre on 0800 924 723. If it is an emergency, call 111. As always, look out for each other and stay safe. The weather is unpredictable and conditions can change quickly.
Last Friday afternoon saw Putāruru, Cambridge and district road policing staff arrest three youth after they decamped in a stolen vehicle from an aggravated robbery in Putāruru. Their vehicle was successfully spiked and stopped on Tīrau road and two youth have appeared in Youth Court on associated charges.
In Te Awamutu last week, a male was arrested following a family harm incident and faces three associated charges in court. When police are involved in family harm matters to the level of prosecution, it is an important step in breaking the cycle of violence. Research shows that without intervention, the seriousness of family harm only increases over time, ultimately escalating to a risk of serious or grievous bodily harm or even death. Prosecution ensures the offender is held to account for their actions and is an opportunity for change to be initiated.
Last weekend, Te Awamutu police identified a motorbike and its rider who had been the subject of numerous reports of dangerous and reckless driving in the area. The male rider now faces related charges in court and the bike has been impounded. While it is a positive outcome, more information is sought as this behaviour is not isolated to one bike and rider.
If you see dangerous driving, motorbikes or trail bikes weaving or doing wheelies in traffic, note full details of the bike and rider, including descriptions and call 111 at the time. If it is safe to do so, recording a video of what you are witnessing is also helpful.
Finally this week, a reminder to continue to be scam and fraud aware. In one reported instance recently, it appeared that lending a mobile phone to an associate resulted in access being gained to online banking, making an unauthorised transaction being possible. Be aware that saving login and credit card details to your phone increases the risk of unauthorised access if your phone falls into the hands of an opportunistic offender.
