I hope that everyone has managed to stay safe and well during the cyclone. This week I have another good news story to share, as it’s also a chance to say thank you to our community.
Late last year a calf feeder was stolen from a farm in Roto-o-Rangi. The burglary was reported to police and images of a vehicle suspected of being involved were also shared on social media. This prompted a number of calls to police. As is always the case, much of the information added to or corroborated our enquiries.
As a direct result, approximately one month later police were able to execute a search warrant at a property in Te Mawhai, Tokanui. The calf feeder was recovered, along with scaffolding and trailers that had been stolen in other burglaries in Hamilton. It was a great outcome that we could not have achieved without the support from the public. Effective policing is a joint effort between officers and the local community – this was a great example.
In the case above, Facebook helped bring about a great result. Social Media can often equally have a negative effect, however. I have previously advised against using Facebook as your go-to for reporting crime – police (111 or 105) should be your first phone call for sure. I have also previously raised the perils of community Facebook page posts gone awry.
A situation highlighted to me this week has brought the latter back into focus. With any social media there is the potential for misinformation to be taken as truth, for situations to be inflamed and community unrest ignited. In some cases, people or organisations are even ‘named and shamed’ in online posts. This is a worrying path to go down. The information and identities posted may turn out to be incorrect. Such posts can cause personal distress to the people targeted and potentially constitute online bullying. In extreme cases, naming and shaming could open you up to civil legal action.
I urge people not to name and shame others online and for Facebook group administrators be aware of this issue. Instead, if you have a concern, approach the appropriate agencies to address the issue instead, – for example police or your council.
Lastly, exciting things are afoot around youth at Cambridge Police. Our Youth Aid officer, Constable Dani Hibdige is working to reinitiate a chapter of Bluelight in Cambridge. Bluelight is a registered charity that works with police to support our youth through various activities and engagement opportunities. Watch this space in coming weeks. Have a great week.
Youth Aid officer Constable Danica Hibdige with Charlie, 3, and Mischa, 5, Beadle.
