Cambridge Police senior police constable Deb Hann spotted just before the parade began.
Christmas holidays and the festive season are upon us. In my last column for the year, I would like to wish you all a relaxing break and provide a few timely reminders. Periodically I discuss home security, looking out for your neighbours and reporting suspicious activity. This is never more important than now.
Senior Constable Deb Hann – On the Beat
With the hot weather arriving, it is easy to forget to close and lock open windows and doors when you leave home. It is also common for people to leave garage doors open for ventilation, thereby unwittingly showing opportunist thieves the goodies inside. In addition, we are still hearing of people leaving keys in their unlocked vehicles after parking up at home.
While some offenders will commit a crime no matter the security protections in place, you can nevertheless reduce the risk of becoming a burglary victim by taking basic precautions. If you are going away, let your neighbours know and have someone keep an eye on or visit your house. Try not to make your absence obvious to casual passersby. When you are home, but out enjoying the back yard, keep the front of your house secure. Lock your vehicles, don’t leave valuable items inside and invest in an alarm or steering wheel lock. When you see unusual or suspicious activity within your neighbourhood, for example strangers wandering up and down driveways or onto properties, ring 111. Be sure to note descriptions of the people involved, registration plates and take a photo or video if possible and safe to do so. If we can catch one burglar, we prevent multiple offences and further victimisation.
This advice goes for rural properties as much as it does urban. I have been told that some rural community members may not be bothering to report thefts or trespassers, feeling perhaps it is not worth the effort. I strongly disagree. The more offending criminals get away with in an area, the more likely they are to return and reoffend, with the area being seen as an easy target. If we don’t know offending is happening, we cannot start to address it.
Finally, still on the festive season theme, while Te Awamutu had no reported cases, in Cambridge in the last seven days, staff caught six people who were driving with excess breath alcohol. Two face charges in court, while four returned levels that were dealt with by an infringement.
It is yet again a reminder that if you are going to drink alcohol, you need to plan before you party. When you are driving around, be aware also, that others may be out there driving under the influence, so be aware of your surroundings.
Cambridge Police senior police constable Deb Hann spotted just before the Cambridge Christmas parade began. Photo: Viv Posselt
