ON THE BEAT May'10

courtesy Eastern Courier and Howick Police

26-May-10

I’ve been writing these columns now for what seems like decades.

When I think back about the subjects and matters addressed in the On the Beat column it occurred to me that some people must think we’re just repeating ourselves over and over.

We write about the same things time and time again, whether it is burglary prevention, road safety issues, youth as offenders, the elderly as victims, how to avoid the latest scams, the evils of alcohol and drugs, and so on.

I wondered if there was any point in the seemingly endless repetition.

Then I thought to myself, while the problems mentioned above continue, we absolutely must continue to reiterate these important messages.

The population demographic changes, criminals modify their methods, new technology comes into effect. All these things highlight the importance of police communicating with the general public on matters that affect the community.

It is frustrating when people ignore the crime prevention and community safety message.

Let me give you one example. Police continue to promote the importance of not leaving valuable items in unattended motor vehicles.

Those who do leave valuables in vehicles are just creating opportunities for criminals to commit crime. It’s as simple as that. Almost every day we receive reports where criminals have been virtually handed something of value on a plate, whether it be laptop computers, cell phones, GPS devices, tools, $5000 watches, you name it.

Criminals will take advantage of every opportunity they’re given. Why do we make it so easy?

It’s so simple to prevent thefts by removing your valuables and locking the doors when you leave the vehicle.

Even better, fit a steering lock, or have an alarm installed. If you’re at home, park the car in the garage, if you can’t put it in a garage, park the car under a sensor light.

We all have a responsibility to prevent crime. Don’t be surprised to see us remind you again in the future.

Sergeant Keith Olsen, Howick Police

19-May-10

The recent tragic death of a 16-year-old has again raised the debate of raising the drinking age, and the unhealthy binge drinking culture we have developed – a
culture that is affecting our youth with tragic consequences.

Will raising the drinking age stop the alcohol-related problems our youth are facing?

Is better education the key? Who is responsible for this education?

Parents, ultimately it is your responsibility to educate your child about alcohol – the effects of consumption and how to consume alcohol safely.

It is also a good idea to educate your child so they know what to do if one of their friends becomes heavily intoxicated and ill.

Encourage open communication so they will confide in you when dealing with pressure from peers to drink.

Too often police attend parties that have become out of control, resulting in us transporting extremely intoxicated young people home or calling an ambulance because they need urgent assistance.

And too often, when arriving at the young person’s home, their parents have no idea they have been at a party, thinking they have been at a friend’s house or at the movies.

Parents, get to know the parents of your child’s friends and start communicating. When your child asks to stay at a friend’s house, ring the parents and confirm it is okay, and that there will be adult supervision.

If you think your child has a problem with alcohol, seek help. There are organisations available to give advice, including Community Alcohol and Drug Services.

Constable Telesia Neilson Youth Aid officer Howick

12-May-10

The second school term for 2010 started with a cool autumn morning, and a very light sprinkling of rain, which sadly had some motorists up to their old tricks – parking illegally outside schools.

Many drivers still fail to understand that signs and road markings outside schools are very much there for the safety of pedestrian and vehicular traffic, and considerable consultation takes place before they are installed.

Police work closely with schools and the council to ensure the best methods are used to make sure the school gate is a safe place.

It is unbelievable to find, when speaking to motorists about their parking offences, that many live within a few minutes walking distance of the school.

Schools provide supervised crossing points, traffic safety patrols, walking school buses and student buddies in an effort to encourage children to walk to school and hopefully alleviate much of the unnecessary traffic in the school’s vicinity.

School traffic zones – 40kmh – will also be installed outside some schools in our area soon.

This is yet another strategy to reduce dangerous driver behaviour at the crucial before and after school times.

It is concerning that we must go to such lengths, many of which are time-consuming and costly, to remind drivers to do what they should be doing anyway as part of a responsible and caring attitude towards their own and other children.

Winter will be upon us very soon. Please don’t be one of those drivers who believes they must park right at the school gate to prevent their child getting a little wet.

If safety is truly your concern then park well away from the school, or perhaps even leave the car at home, put your raincoats on and walk.

Senior Constable Adele White Youth Education Officer, Howick

05-May-10

As I jogged around the area in the weekend I couldn’t help but notice the number of houses with garage doors open.

I was amazed that people are so content with letting any person walk, jog, run, ride and drive by their property looking in at all their possessions.

With the garage door open I could look in and see vehicles, power tools, bicycles, lawn mowers, weedeaters and numerous other items.

What I couldn’t believe is that this is happening all over the place.

People of opportunity are all around, and trust me if you give thieves the opportunity they will take it.

Anything in the garage that is not tied down and has some material value could be taken.

As the local community constable I attend many jobs where people are complaining about being robbed.

Their house has been broken into and property has been taken.

If we leave the garage door open we are inviting those opportunists to have a good look at what they could take.

If you are not in the garage then I suggest you close it to stop people looking in and stealing from your house.

Even if you are just mowing the lawns and are around the back of the house, minutes are all they need to steal from you. Close that garage door and secure the front of your property.

On the subject of garages, all those people with remote control garage door openers should not leave them in the car, within view from outside.

In the event they are stolen, remote control garage door openers can be used as a way of entering your home.

And remember the Howick police station opening hours are Monday to Friday, 8am to 4pm.

Constable Craig Hammonds, Pakuranga Community Constable

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