Stowaway mouse snared by biosecurity dog
A stowaway mouse has prompted a warning for people to check their gear carefully before visiting Auckland's Hauraki Gulf.
The caution follows capture of the creature which was hoping to spend a relaxing weekend on an island in the gulf.
The mouse was spotted darting out of a passenger's bag and scurrying onto a pest-free warranted vessel.
“This is a timely reminder of why bio-security practices are so important and why we ask passengers and boaties to check their gear carefully before heading out onto the gulf,” said Hauraki Gulf bio-security manager Liz Brooks.
“Most of the gulf islands are pest free and home to a wide range of rare and endangered birds. The “check, clean, close” message is a serious one and there to help protect those native birds.’
The mouse remained at large for three days, eluding all attempts of capture before Auckland Council's bio-security team called in Rosie the rodent detection dog.
She uncovered a chewed glove in the passenger's bag where the mouse had been living.
Rosie soon tracked down the mouse's hiding place, traps were set and the stowaway was caught.
"We were lucky the mouse was spotted before it had the opportunity to get onshore on one of the many pest-free islands," said dog handler Kerryn Johnson.
Six tips for improving security around your home
1) Improve outdoor lighting
Ensure that streets, driveways, and front yards are well-lit. Motion-sensor lights around homes deter trespassers by reducing hiding spots and illuminating their movements.
2) Trim your trees
Overgrown shrubs and trees provide cover for intruders. Keeping them well-trimmed around windows and doors improves visibility and reduces potential hiding spots.
3) Secure Entry Points
Ensure doors, windows, and gates are always closed when you are away from the house. Upgrade to more secure locks, deadbolts, or even smart locks for added protection.
4) Add a security camera
Place security cameras in the main entry points to your home. Doorbell cameras are also relatively cheap and a great way to keep track of who is visiting your home when you aren't there.
5) Start a Neighborhood Watch Program
You could reach out to members on Neighbourly to form a group of neighbors who can regularly keep an eye out for suspicious activity and report it. You could also check with Neighbourhood Support to see what is existing in your area.
6) Introduce yourself to your neighbours
The closer you are to your neighbors, the more likely they’ll notice when something unusual or suspicious is happening around your property
Feel free to share anything that you do around your area to deter crime.
Poll: Is dumping an issue in your neighbourhood?
There's nothing worse than strolling around the streets in your neighbourhood and seeing dumped rubbish.
Have you noticed this in your area? What could we do to combat this around the country?
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43.4% Yes, I've seen some illegal dumping
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56% No, our neighbourhood is pretty good
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0.6% Other - I'll share below
Poll: What special qualities should a 5-star New Zealand airport hotel at our largest international airport have?
Te Arikinui Pullman Auckland Airport is New Zealand’s only 5-star airport hotel, given its incredibly close proximity to the airport, the convenience of walking to the airport is a major highlight but there are plenty of other features that make it special.
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5.3% Unmatched runway views with a private lounge
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45.9% Exceptional service from arrival to departure
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5.3% Gourmet dining featuring New Zealand's finest, celebrating Te Ao Māori kai
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36.3% A soundproof oasis with all desired amenities
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7.2% Māori culture reflected throughout, creating an architectural marvel
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