Deb Hann
It’s the end of an era at Cambridge Police this week as our SSO – station support officer – Lisa, moves on to a new challenge within police after eight years with us. For many, Lisa has been the first point of contact at our station, greeting the public at the front counter with professionalism, empathy, and an endless supply of sound advice.
In this role, she has supported countless victims of crime and become a trusted, knowledgeable presence for both our community and our staff. She has been the central hub of our station’s wheel, keeping everything running smoothly, sharing vital local knowledge, and helping make our work easier and more effective.
We wish Lisa every success in her new role. She leaves behind big shoes to fill, and we’re proud to support her continued growth and welldeserved progression.
The front counter role is a crucial first point of contact. In Te Awamutu, we are supported by both Lisette and Heather. Our station support officers manage a wide range of enquiries every day, from lost and found property, reports of scams or fraud, and firearms licensing queries, to trespass matters, crime prevention advice, suspicious activity, crimes in progress, and family harm concerns. They bring compassion, diplomacy, and strong deescalation skills to their work
When criminal matters arise, station support officers connect community members with officers on shift to ensure appropriate followup or action. Behind the scenes, they also assist with intel, liquor licensing administration, asset management, exhibit management, and many other essential aspects of station operations. As officers, we deeply appreciate everything they do.
In other news, in Cambridge, Police arrested a male who allegedly shoplifted a trolleyload of groceries from Woolworths. He was located a short distance away, and a subsequent search uncovered drug paraphernalia and confirmed he was breaching courtimposed release conditions. He now faces related charges.
Also in Cambridge, a female took items from Briscoes before fleeing in a vehicle toward Hamilton. Staff there stopped the vehicle, recovered the items, and arrested her. She was also found to be wanted for three other shoplifting incidents and now faces several charges in court.
In Te Awamutu, Police received a report of a stolen Mazda ute in Te Kūiti, where the offender attempted to drive at a member of the public. The vehicle travelled north on SH3 before being stopped by Te Awamutu Police. The sole male occupant faces three associated charges in court.
