Starting with good news, in mid-March police received a report of burglary at an industrial site. A male had cut a hole in a perimeter fence and entered to steal power tools and other items. He was believed to have cased out the location earlier in the day. Investigations were completed with the result that the vehicle used was quickly identified and a man was arrested. He is now before the courts.
Senior Constable Deb Hann – On the Beat
Opportunist offenders do not stop at just one theft, so it is great to be able to identify and arrest them. Early reporting and CCTV evidence was key in this case. While going through the court process, if not remanded in custody, offenders are released subject to bail conditions which further help disrupt their activities.
This week I also have a call for information. We ask you to report when you see trail bikes riding around town. We have had reports of riders in Cambridge East doing circuits around the Grey Street, Hamilton Road and Taylor Street areas. If you see dangerous driving of this nature, please call 111 at the time and provide a description and direction of travel so we can catch them. Every call also helps us to identify their travel paths and when they are most likely out.
We have a few people sleeping either in cars or on the street in Cambridge at present. Some solicit donations of money on the pavement. Some people choose an itinerant lifestyle while others feel they have no other options available. Mental health and other addictions can also play a role.
While it is tempting for caring community members to want to give help by handing over cash, this does not truly help the person and encourages less scrupulous people to view Cambridge as being an attractive begging location. I would ask that you instead contact Cambridge Community House directly or refer the person to them for food, budgeting and other assistance. If you are keen to provide tangible assistance, a purchase of food is a way to do so without the risk of your goodwill being redirected to buy other substances, indirectly worsening the person’s situation.
And now time for prevention reminders. As autumn sets in, so does the fog in Waikato. It is time to remind everyone to turn on their vehicle headlights in foggy or rainy weather. The ‘auto’ setting on your car does not recognise these conditions, only darkness. While it is easy to become complacent and leave lights in this mode, it isn’t effective in ensuring you are seen when you need to be. Please also be mindful of speed and always drive to the conditions. It is a good time to check the tread on your tyres too. Have a good week and keep safe.
