Continuing on my recent retail theft topic, we have become aware of a spate of thefts of handbags and wallets.
What has made these thefts easier, is the habit many people have of putting them into the front of the shopping trolley while they do their grocery shop. It takes just a moment, while your back is turned to select an item of the shelf, for an opportunist offender to grab a wallet from the handbag and nonchalantly walk away.
Deb Hann – Senior Constable
By the time you reach check-out and realise it is missing, your credit cards can already have been used to purchase items elsewhere. The easy way to avoid becoming a victim of this crime, is to keep your handbag on your person at all times when shopping. As with any crime, the easier the pickings are in Cambridge, the more attractive we become to out of town offenders.
On the retail topic, I’d like to also shout out to members of the public who have called police or alerted retail staff to theft this week, providing valuable information around offenders and their vehicles. It is great to see everyone working together.
Photo: Jack Sparrow, pexels.com
An example of the unpredictable strength of the Waikato River at the Dominion Ave boat ramp. Photo: Mary Anne Gill.
And finally, last week a member of the public had a near miss in the Waikato river. We were called by concerned friends after they had seen their friend jump off a platform at the boat ramp on Dominion Avenue. He had not reappeared – even after an hour of searching – so they called Police.
As resources were being despatched, the male was located walking back to the boat ramp area. He told how the current was stronger than he expected, causing him to be washed further down the river. By sheer luck he managed to grab hold of a low hanging branch on the opposite side of the river. After a period of time, he succeeded in pulling himself out of the river and climbed the bank. He was then able to walk back around over the high bridge to the boat ramp, where Police found him.
It goes without saying that the male was extremely lucky that events worked out the way they did. I again strongly advise against swimming at the Dominion Ave boat ramp. As I have mentioned on other occasions, the currents in the Waikato river are frequently strong and unpredictable. The water level can also change without notice subject to dam water releases. Any water rescue requires a considerable and diverse emergency services response. If we remain vigilant to the risks around water and swim in safe, recommended areas, this will reduce the number of avoidable callouts. Have a good week and as always, stay safe.
An example of the unpredictable strength of the Waikato River at the Dominion Ave boat ramp. Photo: Mary Anne Gill.
