Firstly a crime update – we are continuing to have a spate of thefts from cars and car thefts in Norfolk Downs and nearby areas.
Offending is happening in night time hours, although is sometimes not noticed until the following morning. In light of this, if you see anything suspicious – people wandering around late at night – let us know. Offenders carry the tools of their trade such as screwdrivers and vice grips with them, and often have bumbags or backpacks accordingly. They will try to hide their identities from CCTV with hoodies up and pulled in tight, or face masks of various descriptions.
Senior Constable Deb Hann – On the Beat
As previously mentioned, ensure vehicles are secure and alarmed and consider sensor activated security lights. Take note of any suspicious activity in your neighbourhood, especially late at night and report it to Police at the time. Let’s catch them!
Last Friday the team nabbed two Taranaki thieves after they stole from a sports shop. One was found to also have active warrants for their arrest for having previously failed to appear in court on other charges. Thanks to the shop owners for their quick action. They surely stopped these two from continuing their offending in town.
Finally, boy racer activity is a regular topic of conversation in my column. This week I want to talk about some measures being put in place locally to address anti-social driving behaviours. Waipā District Council identified several roads in the district which were attracting antisocial behaviour. As a result, a number of roads have been designated for inclusion in light motor vehicle prohibition under a bylaw. Within Cambridge, Appleby Road and Wells place (from Moemoea Place to the dead end) and Gudex Road are included. So what does this mean?
Under the bylaw, no person may operate any motor vehicle with a gross vehicle mass of less than 3500kg on these roads between 9pm and 4am – unless for the express purpose of visiting a property with a frontage to the road, the vehicle is operating a small passenger service at the time or prior council approval has been obtained. The bylaw’s aim is to better enable police to tackle antisocial driving behaviours, including cruising, burnouts, excessive speed, racing and loud engine noise in these arears. If you are found in breach of the bylaw, a driver will be given a hefty fine. All roads have clear council signage advising they are designated as restricted.
