ON THE BEAT August'09

courtesy Eastern Courier and Howick Police

28-Aug-09

A vehicle is usually your second greatest financial investment. Unfortunately, many vehicle owners give little thought to security. Here are some tips to keep your car safe.

- Lock it – always, even if you’re only stepping away for a short time or at home. Ensure all windows, doors, boots and sunroofs are closed and locked

- Park safely – when parking at home, always use your garage and lock both your vehicle and garage. If parking in a driveway, close gates and position your vehicle so it’s in a well-lit area. Consider installing a movement activated sensor light. When parking in a public place, choose a well-lit, well spaced location preferably visible to passersby

- Car contents – do not leave valuables on display. Even an old coat or plastic bag is enough to tempt a thief. Keep your valuables on you or at home. At the end of your working day, remove your laptop, mobile phone and briefcase from your vehicle. Remove radio/cd/mp3 players if you can and record serial numbers

- While driving – keep your valuables out of sight and consider locking doors

- Security devices – consider investing in an alarm, engine immobiliser or steering wheel lock. While these are not unbeatable, they are highly visible security devices and a good deterrent.

The old saying “Prevention is better than a cure”, still applies. A little time spent in securing your vehicle will pay dividends in the long term.

Prevention of crime, protection and security of property, and maintaining standards of safety in the community is the responsibility of everyone. If you would like to know more about crime prevention or are concerned about vehicle security in your street, why not start a Neighbourhood Support Group? To find out how go to www.nsupport.co.nz.

Constable Telesia Neilson, Meadowlands Community Constable

21-Aug-09

I recently attended a situation at a local shopping centre that involved several people being injured, some seriously.

As I carried out enquiries and spoke with victims, witnesses and viewed video footage of the incident, I saw some common themes from members of the community.

Like any incident in a busy area, there are always lots of people around, however it appears that although many people are happy to watch, take photos or in some cases just point, there are only a select few who are willing to step up and help. I would like to express my thanks to those members of the community who are willing to step up when the situation calls for it.

Whether that situation is an emergency, an offer to help a neighbour, a call to police to report a crime or those who are willing to host a Neighbourhood Support Meeting to help prevent crime in their street.

On a crime prevention note, it appears that the current trend in the Pakuranga area is for cars parked on the street to be targeted. Whether this is for items left inside or just the mindless smashing of windows, it would be advisable to park your car up your driveway and to remove items of value.

All of these incidents need to be reported to police so that we can determine where our resources are best utilised.

If you don't report them we won't know there is a problem is your area.

Deny criminals the opportunity to commit crime by removing the opportunity e.g. park cars off the street, remove valuables, lock windows and doors when away from home.

Deter criminals by implementing crime prevention techniques, e.g. install sensor lights, close gates, belong to an active Neighbourhood Support Group.

Detect criminals by looking out for suspicious behaviour and reporting it to the police. By acting together we can enjoy a safer community.

Constable Paul Bimler, Pakuranga Community Constable

12-Aug-09

The shortest day of the year is now behind us but it is still dark by late afternoon and the recent mornings have been wet and bleak.

We are dealing with several car crashes where young drivers have lost control and come to grief, sliding off the roads. It is a timely reminder during the winter months to drive to the conditions. Your tyres are going to react differently to when they are driving on a dry surface. So as drivers we all have to alter our driving behaviour.

Most young drivers who come to our attention are driving with the blessing of their parents. Vehicles are often registered and paid for by parents, however the young person has exclusive use of the vehicle, and there are numerous reasons why this happens. It is important that as guardians, you must be aware of your child’s driver licence conditions. Most will be still working their way through the graduated licence system. The penalty for breaking those conditions are severe – 25 demerit points and an instant fine of $400.

Teenagers especially need to realise that driving on New Zealand roads is a privilege, not a right.

Take the time to assess your son or daughter’s driving from time to time. Keep an eye on the state and condition of the car they are driving. And most importantly try to ensure that they adhere to the conditions and restrictions of their driver’s licence. It is always going to be tempting for young drivers to try and impress their mates when they get behind the wheel of a car and this inevitably will get them offside with the law.

The licence restrictions are there for a good reason. If you decide your young person is responsible enough to have access to a vehicle, please also make sure they have the necessary support, guidelines and boundaries in place that result in good experiences and not a tragedy.

Constable Paul Devane, Youth Aid Officer, Howick

05-Aug-09

Everyone should be able to walk anywhere without their personal safety being at risk.

People usually walk out and about every day without encountering any dangers, but there can be times, locations or circumstances when there are concerns. Being aware of simple safety precautions will reduce risks to your personal safety.

Be aware of your environment and take notice of what's around you when out walking.

Stick to areas that have other people around, and that are well lit at night. Remember when it's dark to avoid vacant blocks, parks or shortcuts through alleys.

Body language is important. A person who is confident, walking upright and briskly, is less likely to become a victim.

There may be times when it's best not to walk through a group of people. Cross the road to avoid contact.

Pre-plan a lift or a taxi rather than walking alone at night. If you feel uncomfortable in a situation, take steps to keep yourself safe.

Consider:
- Covering up jewellery and not displaying valuables like cell phones or mp3 players - Keeping your house and car keys separate in case your handbag is snatched
- Telling family, friends or colleagues of your plans.

There may be a time when you will be confronted by someone and there is no one way to respond to every situation.

All I can advise is that your actions in the first few moments of any confrontation are the most important.

Here are a couple of things that may help:
- Display a confident manner
- Talk loudly and assertively
- Keep making lots of noise to attract attention to yourself.

As soon as you can, go to a safe place and dial 111 and ask for the Police. It is vital that you report any such confrontation to Police immediately.

Keep Safe

Constable Merv Hotter, Highland Park Community Constable

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