ON THE BEAT February'09

courtesy Eastern Courier and Howick Police

25-Feb-09

You wake up in the morning and notice that you have over slept by a half hour. The kids are late for school, and everyone is in a mad panic to get things done.

You all pile into the family vehicle and off you go.

While approaching the traffic lights they turn to orange and you are still 200 meters away from the intersection.

Do you slow down and stop or do you speed up and risk it? You decide the latter and as you get within 50 meters of the intersection the light turns red.

You think "Ah I'll make it" and speed up even more. I will leave it up to you to decide what happens next.

This is something that we as Police Officers see all the time; people who are in a rush to get to their destination with no regard for obeying traffic rules let alone other drivers and pedestrians.

Red light running in Auckland is a serious issue.

Some people just can't get it through their heads that not only are they a major cause of vehicle crashes, but running red lights is still illegal.

Running traffic lights when they are red or orange is inexcusable.

Both come with a fine of $150.00.

When pulled over we often receive abuse from the driver - who throws out excuses like, it was green, go and catch a real criminal, there are guys out there who are murdering others and you pick on me for a red light.

All motorists should be prepared to stop at all traffic signals whether they are red, orange or green.

Is it really important that you get to your destination safely so please think twice before running your next red light.

Don't forget to call me at the Howick Police Station on 538 0300 if you wish to start up a neighbourhood support group or go to www.nsupport.co.nz.

KEEP SAFE

Constable Merv Hotter, Highland Park Community Constable

18-Feb-09

Alcohol use is a component in the majority of incidents Police deal with.

These incidents include motor vehicle crashes, domestic violence, general violence, disorder, out-of-control teenage parties, sexual assaults, and so on.

This problem isn't new. Police have had to mop up the mess created by those who consume alcohol for centuries.

In a recent publication from the Alcohol Advisory Council of New Zealand they talk about the introduction of prohibition in Oamaru in the early 1900's.

Unsurprisingly, once the ban came into force there was an immediate and dramatic fall in the crime rate. Convictions, including those specifically for drunkenness, more than halved!

In an effort to combat problems in public spaces, Manukau City Council introduced a bylaw in 2004 that bans the possession and consumption of alcohol in specified parts of Manukau City.

Police enforcement of this bylaw is designed to reduce the disorder, damage, and dangerous driving that comes with intoxication. Notwithstanding the bylaw, the signs that advertise it, and the police enforcement, people still choose to drink in public places and cause trouble.

Many of those arrested and prosecuted by police for breaching the liquor ban bylaw don't seem too worried. Often they are more concerned about having their alcohol confiscated than having to go to Court.

Why is this? Some would suggest that it's a reflection of societies view about the acceptability of alcohol use and intoxication. Many of the intoxicated teenagers police speak to say their alcohol was given to them by their parents.

Parents supplying their children with alcohol is not illegal, but is it a good idea to send one's children out into the world loaded up with booze? I'd submit that just because "everyone's doing it" doesn't necessarily make it right.

Perhaps we'd all benefit from adults role modelling appropriate drinking behaviours to their kids and making an honest attempt to change our binge drinking culture.

Sergeant Keith Olsen, Youth & Community Services, Howick

11-Feb-09

The start of the school year sees many children walking to school and biking to school. As younger children often lack the skills to negotiate traffic safety, now is the time to begin some training. Help them by teaching the following rules:

• Walk on footpaths when available

• Cross at intersections with pedestrian traffic lights

• Wear a helmet when riding a bicycle

• Always walk your bicycle across a roadway
  
  

It is worthwhile joining or starting a walking bus with other parents and children in your area, because this not only adds safety but is a great way to strengthen community relationships.

Parents of students who drive to school should be aware that limited licences affect who can be carried and when. A timely reminder may prevent fines being incurred.

All motorists need to take extra care around schools and take notice of the following:

• Reduce speed in school zones

• Be ready to stop at all times around schools because children do not always notice oncoming traffic

• Try to make eye contact with children waiting to cross the road and be patient when children are crossing

• Obey school-operated pedestrian crossings
  

With most people back at work or school it is even more important to be vigilant around the home. A good start to deter burglars from entering your property is to make sure your house is secure and nothing is left outside.

Let's minimise opportunities for those who choose to target people who work for a living.

Constable Paul Bimler, Pakuranga Community Constable