POLICE REPORT

This month’s focus

You might not be paying attention, but Police are this month. This month's road policing operation is focused on distraction.

August 26

A Waihi man was arrested for breach of bail after failing to present for a curfew check. He was held in custody and taken to court.

There was a report of a burglary at Waihi Transfer Station. Another male offender pursuing a career on camera was captured on CCTV creeping around the premises and stealing property. Police are investigating and intend to give him an appearance in court. August 27

Police conducted a road policing operation targeting excessive speed on rural 100kph roads across the Waikato District, including Waihi. The focus was on roads that are not state highways. Old Tauranga Rd was the local focus and multiple motorists were stopped and educated about excessive speed and the danger it causes to all road users.

August 28

Waihi Police attended a single vehicle fatal traffic crash at Port Rd, Whangamata¯. Police Serious Crash Unit are investigating. Only one person was involved. Waihi Police were hot on the tail of a burglar who stole a boat and trailer from a Nga¯tea address the night before. After a quick response and some stellar police work a Waihi male was arrested for the burglary and one offender is still outstanding. The arrested offender was remanded in custody. Police are on the hunt for the second offender. August 29

Overnight a port-a-com building at SH2 Tauranga Road serving as the office for Shick Civil Construction was burgled. Various property items were stolen, including fuel. This is the second time they have been burgled. Police are seeking information from the community.

August 30

A Hamilton man was trespassed from The Porch at Waihi Beach for drunken disorderly behaviour. He also refused to leave the premises after threatening staff and patrons. However he did leave when heard the cops were on the way. We caught up with him up the road where he got a stern talking and a one-way ticket back to ‘the Tron'.

August 31

A fast driver, but slow learner. A Waihi man has been charged again with driving with excess breath alcohol after he returned a result of 600 micrograms of alcohol. He was also driving while disqualified. His vehicle was impounded as a result. The man was already on active charges for similar offending including dangerous driving.

Crime Prevention Advice

Last week's focus was all about “turkeys of the road” variety. This week it's the New Zealand fur seal. We know we're NZ Police, not the Discovery Channel but here's a few tips if you discover a baby fur seal along our coastline . . . first thing to remember is they are not like the cute and cuddly type you'll find in a toy store. They don't want to be hugged or fed lollies and Fanta. The second thing is, they don't like human company and they are definitely not a toy! In fact, they're known to snob humans at the best of times, so steer clear if you see one.

Thirdly, don't panic if you see a baby fur seal parked up on the beach looking sad with their big glassy dark eyes staring back at you. This is perfectly normal behaviour and when the seal pup is ready they will generally make their way back to the ocean where they belong. A reminder that cruelty to animals is a criminal offence. If in doubt contact Department of Conservation — Ph: 0800 DOC HOT (0800 362 468). If you witness cruelty call police 111.

Road safety message

Musician Tom Cochrane performed a song that goes “Life is a highway, I want to ride it all night long…” If you fancy riding the highway all night long or any other time of the day, it's best you stay off your mobile phone when driving.

Apart from preventing a crash and injuring or killing yourself or other road users we are going to let you in on a little secret, but don't tell anyone . . . this month's road policing operation is focused on “distraction”. Operating a mobile phone, putting on makeup, eating and reading a book are all distractions. Bet you can think of a few others too.

Police contacts

If it's already happened call 105. If it's happening now call 111.

For traffic matters call *555 (mobile phone only). To remain anonymous call Crimestoppers 0800 555 111.