CRIME BRIEFS

On Saturday night, June 30, a 59-year-old man and a 34-year-old man were stopped for breath testing while driving vehicles in central Waipukurau. One returned a reading of 722 and the other 870 micrograms of alcohol per litre of breath. Both had their licences immediately suspended for 28 days due to the fact that their readings were over 650. They will face further disqualification if convicted.

I would like to draw residents' attention to another computer scam making the rounds. Users will get a notification flash up on their screen telling them that their computer has a virus, and if you choose to ignore it, you will lose all of your files. A telephone number is provided. The number is answered by a person claiming to be working for a computer service centre. He then asks for your credit card details and tells you that for $99 he will clear the virus and download virus protection. It all sounds pretty genuine, but it ain't. If your computer comes under attack like this, it's best to shut it down and get your own technician to sort out the problem and install some effective spyware, a lot of which can be downloaded for free. Don't get sucked into handing money over to these unscrupulous operators.

Our fire brigade is looking for a small team of capable volunteers to help with the installation of smoke alarms in CHB homes. Anyone interested can contact me at the Waipukurau police station for details. The front counter is manned Monday to Friday between 9.30am and 1.30pm.