Starting with a few good catches, last Wednesday, Cambridge Police executed a search warrant in Leamington in relation to a Ute that had been stolen from the Coromandel peninsula two weeks prior. The ute, and items stolen with it, were successfully recovered and a male was remanded in custody after appearing in court on related charges.
Senior constable Deb Hann inside the Cambridge police station. Photo: Aaron Radford.
Then last Friday, a vehicle was impounded following a report of sustained loss of traction (skids). Investigations into the driver are continuing. Where a vehicle is used in offending, under s118 of the Land transport Act 1998, the owner can be required to provide to police within 14 days, the details of the person who was in possession of it at the time of the offence – or face a charge for failing to provide the details.
On Sunday, Cambridge staff arrested a female shoplifter who stole approximately $1600 worth of groceries from a local supermarket. She was found to be wanted to arrest for several similar thefts in Waikato, all while on court bail for more. She was held in custody and subsequently appeared in court.
Policing requires community support. Often, the first report of a crime comes not from people directly involved, but rather family, friends or other bystanders who observe an incident happening. When a witness to a crime agrees to make a statement, being willing to subsequently stand up in court if required, it greatly advances our chances of gaining a successful conviction. We can then hold the offender appropriately to account and prevent future victimisations. It also provides the offender with an opportunity to address contributing issues (such as addictions) and make a change.
If you provide CCTV footage of a crime to police, we will request a statement from you confirming you gave it to police. Where that is the only involvement you have had in an incident however, it would be unusual for your physical presence to be required in court in the event of the offender defending the charge. If an offender is released on bail following a court appearance, non-contact with those initial victims and witnesses is a common condition.
If you see suspicious activity or offending in progress, dial 111 immediately while the offenders are present. If they have just left, still call 111 with a full description and a direction of travel. If offenders are long gone, report to 105.
Police steer the parade around the Town Hall roundabout with Cambridge High School leading the way.
