FROM THE NEWS DESK

Police are cracking down on burglaries and theft from rural properties around Matamata as offenders start to ramp up their activity, maybe prompted by the warmer weather as summer approaches. Police say generally people are being very helpful and diligent about reporting suspicious activity but there’s more the community can do to prevent themselves becoming a victim of crime. Cars need to be locked when not being used and properties secured. But as you will read from our report on page 5 this week, that not even a padlock or security camera stopped thieves’ enthusiasm for robbing other people in the community. Maybe it’s time to look at neighbourhood groups to increase security around the district. Living in rural locations has its challenges, in terms of distances between people, but good communication and keeping in touch with the local police staff can go some way to preventing the current crime pattern from getting out of control.

Lawrence Gullery