It seems like every week there is another scam reminder. This week it’s one that looks like it comes from us – New Zealand Police – but it didn’t.
Scammers at work. Photo: Mikhail Nilov: pexels.com
A lot of people have reported receiving a text message saying: “NZ Police – Your traffic fine ($40) is overdue. Avoid late fees or court referral. Reg: NZ-2025-883921 Pay now at… (Reply with the letter “Y” and reopen this message to click the link or copy it into your browser”.
This is not from the police, we do not remind you of speeding fines in this way. The link is a scammer’s way of getting your private information. Block the number and delete the text message. Spread the message about this scam to your friends and family too.
Deb Hann
Recently I was advised of a situation where vehicle noise and tyre smoke caused upset in neighbourhoods. It is well known that burnouts on a public road can result in police enforcement including vehicle impounds and court charges for sustained loss of traction. What can you do when this is happening on private property? If your neighbour is doing burnouts on their driveway, this can cause significant noise and air pollution.
Noise and smoke are both covered under the Waipā District Council District Plan. The rules around noise set out the maximum noise limits for different times of day and days of the week. They further state that “no activity shall produce and objectionable odour, smoke, fumes or dust at or beyond the boundaries of the site from which the nuisance emanates.”
In situations like this, if it is reported to council, where video evidence is provided and the circumstances are deemed appropriate, the council may contact the property owner warning them of a breach of the district plan. Further action involving the issuance of an abatement notice may also be possible.
Continuing my drink driving tally, there were no drivers caught with Excess Breath Alcohol in Cambridge in the seven days prior to writing. In Te Awamutu however, five drivers were caught. With the silly season approaching, ensure you plan before you party while your decision making is still sound. If you are attending a work social event, leave your car behind and get alternative transport home.
On the other side of the equation, if you are hosting friends or family, be responsible and ensure food is served, arrange accommodation or transport for your guests as necessary. Have fun, be safe.
Police siren. Photo: Pexels.com
