Police patrols in Auckland’s north-west
Police are continuing to keep an eye out for suspicious activity in the small hours around the north-west of Auckland.
In the past two nights, patrols have picked up suspicious vehicles travelling into the Helensville township.
Waitematā North Relieving Area Commander, Senior Sergeant Roger Small says there have been increases in reports of dishonesty offences and vehicle crime in some rural communities. He says “We have seen reports in recent weeks across the Helensville, Kumeū and Huapai areas involving stolen vehicles or property being stolen from vehicles,”
“We’re actively following up these reports and as part of this response we have patrolling in place around the times when this offending is happening.”
Just before 2am, one of the patrols observed a vehicle with numerous occupants travelling toward Helensville on State Highway 16.
“The vehicle was signalled to stop, but on seeing the red and blue lights accelerated away at a very high speed,” Senior Sergeant Small says. “Another unit was able to successfully deploy spikes after the vehicle entered the Helensville township, and the vehicle came to a stop.”
All occupants, including the 17-year-old-driver, were taken into custody without further incident.
“We’re reminding the community that we are out there patrolling, and if you are ever signalled to stop by Police you should always stop, otherwise you are committing an offence.”
This follows another incident at around 2.18am on 8 January, where a vehicle was seen by a patrol being driven at speed through roadworks near Helensville.
“Due to the driver’s excessive speed, the vehicle was not pursued but it was later seen travelling through the township toward Wainui,” Senior Sergeant Small says. “Follow up enquiries are being made with the vehicle’s registered owner as to who was driving the vehicle at the time.”
Today’s reminder follows a challenge issued by Police in the lead up to the New Year for locals to make their vehicles less attractive.
“We’re asking the locals to keep it up, making sure their vehicle is secured and all their valuables are taken out when it’s not in use,” Senior Sergeant Small says. “Police are still actively following up these reports and we ask that the community remains aware of the issue. “Keep an eye out for suspicious activity in your area, and if you see something untoward let us know as soon as possible.”
Poll: How important is the ability to book a doctor’s appointment online?
Hi Neighbours
Here at The Doctors we would love to hear how you prefer to book your doctor’s appointments. With busy schedules, different people find different methods easier.
For some, online booking is very convenient, you can make an appointment anytime without needing to wait on the phone. Others still prefer calling the clinic and speaking to a real person, especially if they have specific questions about their visit.
Your feedback helps us understand what works best for our patients and how we can improve access to care.
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34.9% I prefer booking online whenever possible
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26.4% Online booking is helpful but not essential
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34% I prefer calling the clinic
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4.7% I didn’t know online booking was available
A reminder this hunting season
As thousands of hunters are making their plans for autumn – the Roar – recreational firearms groups are urging hunters to always be 100% sure of their targets.
Te Tari Pureke - Firearms Safety Authority NZ, which chairs the Recreational Firearms Users Group, has begun a public information campaign reminding hunters everywhere of Rule #4 of the Firearms Safety Code: to identify their target beyond all doubt.
Director Communities and Corporate, Mike McIlraith, says there is an estimated 50,000-60,000 New Zealanders involved in big game animal hunting each year, and the Roar is the key event for many hunters each year.
“The Roar is a fantastic time of year for hunters to get out into the hills after a trophy animal but hunting safely and making sure everyone gets home in one piece, still must be the most important goal of every trip,” says Mike McIlraith.
“The consequences of not fully identifying your target beyond all doubt can be catastrophic. Our message to hunters is a really simple one: If you are not sure, then don’t shoot.”
Mike McIlraith says while hunting fatalities are thankfully rare, research has shown that misidentification of the target is the largest firearms related risk to New Zealand deer hunters, and 80% of the time this involves members of the same hunting group.
The Authority says hunters should not feel pressured to take a shot: “Instead, hunters should take the time to analyse their target, wait and see if it is a hind or stag, how old is the animal, how many points does its antlers have? Identifying your target means never firing at sound, shape, colour or movement alone.”
Mike McIlraith says good hunters will slow down, and run through some simple mental checks:
- Can I see the whole animal, or could this be another hunter?
- Where are my hunting companions – could this be them or someone else?
- How much of the animal can you see, if it is a hind or stag, how old is the animal, how - many points does its antlers have?
“Taking a little extra time to identify your target and check the firing zone is the key to safer hunting. No meat or no trophy is better than no mate,” he says.
Poll: Does a savoury scone require cheese on top, or folded inside?
Help settle the great kiwi debate ... cheese on top, or folded inside?
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76.5% Inside!
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23.5% On top!
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