Deb Hann
Hello again, what great catches we had last Thursday. The team started the day executing a search warrant at an address in Cambridge East in relation to burglary offences.
Deb Hann – Senior Constable at the Cambridge Farmers’ Market. Photo: Mary Anne Gill
A large amount of stolen property was recovered and two females were arrested and face associated charges in court. It was the culmination of extensive investigations by local staff and officers from Tokoroa and we couldn’t have hoped for a better result.
While staff were busy sorting through the seized property, we had a call about bad driving by a ute, last seen going to a business in town.
Officers responded and the vehicle, when located, was driven away from police at speed. Thanks to assistance from the public, a male and female were identified as having been dropped off from the ute on Hamilton Road, before it fled north. While we were speaking to the, a report of a high value shoplifting came in, involving the ute. Once CCTV stills were obtained, it became clear that the two were able to help with enquiries. The female declined to provide her details. Both were subsequently identified however, and were found to be from Auckland and Whangarei.
The reason for their reticence was revealed. Both were wanted by police – between them they were wanted for warrants to arrest and breaches of electronic monitoring bail conditions, plus they were suspects for other offences. They appeared in court the next day and have been remanded in custody. The stolen items are still missing at the time of writing and investigations are ongoing.
Most dishonesty offending in Cambridge is committed by out of town offenders who operate across Waikato. This can make apprehension more difficult and a slower process if they successfully make their getaway.
The Waikato Expressway provides a quick route in and out, and being on State Highway 1. We also come to the attention of opportunists travelling through the North Island. The best thing we can do is be aware of the potential for shoplifting.
If customers come into a store in small groups, consider the potential for one to cause a distraction. Look out for large handbags or strollers which provide easy opportunity for item concealment and if a thief makes it out of the store with product, as occurred in the case this week, obtain getaway vehicle details if possible, directly or via members of the public nearby. Thanks to everyone for their support.
