Police Snippets

 

Crash stats worry
With two fatal road accidents around Wellsford and a two-car collision resulting in another death in Paparoa over the past two weeks, police are urging motorists to take care while driving. 

“Please watch your speed and drive to the conditions,” Constable Dale Wewege says. “Our job is to save lives, so we’ll be clamping down on seatbelt misuse, drivers not obeying ‘Stop’ signs and of course speeding.”

Take registration number
Wewege also wants to warn people about being more careful with personal property, following a number of incidents with vehicles going up driveways that they have no business being on.

“It’s happening mainly on rural properties so please lock your gates when going out,” he says. “If you’re suspicious of a vehicle, note its registration number and occupants if you can and don’t be afraid to ring the police. We can only follow up and decide if it’s legit or not if we have information.” 

Watch valuables
He also urges more care when leaving valuables in the car after a recent  break-in and theft of personal items including sunglasses, phone charger, cash and CD’s, while the owner was taking a walk on a local beach recently. 

“Especially important to focus on when visiting isolated places like Te Arai Point or the Surf Beach. If you can, put items in the boot or hide out of view so thieves won’t be tempted,” he says. “And lock your car, we’re not in the 1970’s anymore.” 

Thanks everyone
On behalf of the police, Wewege would like to thank everyone who was involved with organising Senior Constable Graham Gough’s retirement celebration, held at Mangawhai Club recently.

“Goughy was overwhelmed. He said to me he just expected a few mates and a cup of tea or a couple of beers, so thank you to everyone.”

- REPORTING/Julia Wade