Senior Constable Deb Hann and Dani Hibdige at Fieldays 2023.
I’d like to start off with more good news stories this week. While off duty recently, one of our team observed a blue ute driving in a dangerous manner. She first saw the ute cross the centreline on Victoria Road, Hautapu. It then very narrowly avoided a head-on crash with an oncoming vehicle, before crossing the centreline again. At the intersection with Hautapu Road, it swerved violently. Police were called and managed to intercept the vehicle, stopping it approximately 50m from the driver’s home address. The driver was processed for driving with excess breath alcohol and returned a reading almost four times the legal limit! If you see similar driving when out and about, always call 111. It may be a drunk driver, a tired driver or even someone experiencing a medical event and needing help. Your actions could prevent a serious accident.
On Friday last week, police received a report of a traffic crash, where one vehicle appeared to have deliberately driven into a second before hitting a power pole. On attending, it became clear this was a family harm incident. A male was subsequently arrested and appeared in Hamilton District Court facing related charges. A female was also arrested on unrelated matters. Police executed a search warrant at a nearby address on Monday, recovering a firearm, ammunition and drugs.
For each family harm incident police attend, a report will be entered which is then reviewed by the Integrated Safety Response. This is a multi-agency intervention designed to ensure the immediate safety of victims and children, and to work with perpetrators to prevent further violence. The process means that supports can be put in place with a view to breaking the cycle of abuse. With early intervention, we can work together to prevent a relationship reaching the point of serious physical or other abuse as had happened here. If you see or hear family harm in progress, ring 111.
Lastly, as I write this, Fieldays 2023 is soon to begin – it will be well underway come publication day. With large crowds expected, I have a few key reminders learnt from previous events. Firstly, remember where you park your car so you can find it at the end of the day. Secondly, keep your mobile phone safely in your pocket or bag and register with find my phone (or similar) in case you should lose it somehow. Finally, Fieldays is a dog-free zone, so plan ahead and leave your dogs at home. Along with my fellow Prevention team members, I will be out and about walking the Fieldays beat, so invite you to say “hello” if you are there. Have a good week.
