Last week was another busy one that saw us dealing with offences including two thefts from cars and two thefts of car, six shoplifting cases, public drunkenness, shoplifting, multiple reports of petrol drive offs, five bail breaches and seven fleeing driver events.
On the family harm front we had nine family harm incidents reported and in one day alone I dealt with three Breaches of Protection Order cases. One of those resulted in the arrest of a male who faced associated charges in court last Friday.
In other good catches, a male drove his car chasing his partner who was driving in her own vehicle after an argument. He assaulted her when she he caught up with her on the forecourt of a service station. As you would expect at such a location, members of the public were present including one who began to approach to assist the woman. CCTV evidence also provided key evidence, the combination of which saw the male arrested and charged with the assault the next day. The male was remanded in custody until his next court appearance.
In the past week we have attended no fewer than six traffic crashes. With winter up on us, driving to the conditions is key. The roads can be foggy, slippery and icy and excess speed only increases the chance of serious injury or a fatality in the event of a crash. This is particularly true if you do not know the roads well. Patience is the key word however that we are asking all to have. Waikato as a district frequently has agricultural vehicles moving around on the roads. Recently a head on collision was only narrowly avoided after a campervan driver chose to overtake a tractor on a blind corner. They were so lucky not to hit oncoming traffic. Taking such risks contributes hugely to our road toll. Drive safely, don’t be an idiot.
Still on the topic of traffic matters and patience, we have increased traffic in the area currently – especially in the roads feeding Mystery Creek Events centre – due to the annual Fieldays event. If possible, take the park and ride options available and avoid adding to the queues. (Buses will leave from outside Cambridge BMX club every 30mins from 7-11am and home again in the afternoon). If you have to take a vehicle, plan your day well, allow plenty of time and be prepared for delays to occur.