Good news!
Thanks to the brave and quick actions of these members of the public (pictured centre and centre right) – an offender who was trying to make a getaway after stealing money from a Henderson dairy was stopped and swiftly arrested. 👏
Earlier this month, one of the owners of the store was working behind the counter when a man entered the store and demanded money.
He walked behind the counter to the cash register and took a large sum of money, but the owner very quickly managed to activate the anti-theft smoke canon and the offender fled the shop.
Seeing what happened, the members of the public chased the offender and caught him, holding him until Police arrived soon afterwards.
He was then arrested and taken into custody.
A 40-year-old man has been charged with theft and was due to appear in the Waitakere District Court last week.
The money taken was returned to the dairy owners (pictured on the left), who were very grateful to those who stepped in to help.
A great result and example of people going above and beyond to look out for people in their local community.
What's your favourite tomato recipe?
Kia ora neighbours. We know your tomato plants are still growing, but we're looking ahead to the harvest already! If you've got a family recipe for tomatoes, we'd love to see it and maybe publish it in our magazine to share with our readers. Send your recipe to mailbox@nzgardener.co.nz, and if we use it in the mag, you will receive a free copy of our February 2025 issue.
Warnings about scams
This Fraud Awareness Week, we’re reminding everyone to stay sharp and look out for the warning signs of scams to stop them before they start.
Here’s what to watch out for:
🔍 Unrealistic offers or promises of easy money that are too good to be true
🔍 Pressure tactics: Scammers may rush or threaten you to act immediately.
🔍 Requests for personal info: Be cautious if you’re asked for bank details, passwords, or sensitive information.
🔍 Unusual payment methods like gift cards, cryptocurrency, or wire transfers.
🔍 Unverified contacts: Emails, calls, or messages from unknown or suspicious sources.
How to protect yourself:
✅ Stop and think before sharing personal details or making payments.
✅ Don't click on any links until you know that it is safe.
✅ Verify the source: Contact the organisation directly using official channels.
✅ If something’s not right, it's OK to hang up, walk away, ignore it and move on.
If you wish to report a scam, contact Police on 105 or report it online via 105.police.govt.nz/use-105.
Tactile texture
Welcome texture into your room by using leftover Resene Anaglypta wallpaper to accentuate furniture and décor items. Find out how to create your own with these easy step by step instructions.