Police Snippets

 

Contact police anytime
Speculation about the closure of small-town police stations have been floating around town lately, rumours Sgt Geoff Medland would like to put to rest.

“The police stations, including Mangawhai, will only be closed when the station is not manned by a police officer or/and there is a non-sworn, Frontline Station Support Officer [FSSO] working,” he says.

Police have decided to upgrade station security after a number of violent incidents on volunteers and FSSO’s throughout the country, Medland says.

To report burglaries, car theft, historical crime or to book a visit with a local officer, people can still contact police by ringing the Crime Report Line [CRL] 09 477 5000. Calls are then registered and sent to the appropriate station and officers.

Forensic officers are also dispatched to the address of burglaries as part of police commitment to investigate every theft.

People should still report emergencies to 111.

“The way technology is advancing, there is no need for officers to wait at stations for people to bring them information,” Medland says. “The best service for the public is for police to be visible on the streets.”

Speed up, burglary down
Burglary rates are down around the regions of Mangawhai and Wellsford.

“Been very quiet… which is a good thing,” Sgt Geoff Medland says. “However there are still too many speedsters especially in 50kmh areas where drivers are doing 70.”

Medland says he understands that it can feel uncomfortable driving at 50kmh when the vehicle behind is pushing for speed, however he says every driver has responsibility to uphold the speed limit.

“No one wants to see a child get hurt while trying to cross the street to get to the activity zone,” he says.”

Man on the run
Police are still on the hunt for 39-year-old Whangarei man, Mark Fletcher, who has warrants out for his arrest including attempted kidnapping, domestic assault and breach of a protection order. Fletcher has extensive contacts who may be enabling him, and is thought to be armed. Police advise not to approach the man.

“There’s only so long you can hide in New Zealand. It must be very stressful constantly looking over your shoulder,” Sgt Medland says. “With our increased border security, you wouldn’t get far trying to leave the country.”

- REPORTING/Julia Wade