‘Tis the season for stoners planting out their crops

You may have noticed the weather is warming and spring flowers are appearing.

Time to get the tomatoes, zucchini and cannabis rearing!

It’s about time to prepare outdoor plots and plant out seedlings. When temperatures warm and frosts stop, greenthumbed cultivators start thinking about their cannabis plots. People living in rural locations like Waihi and the wider Coromandel may start to notice suspicious behaviour that might be linked to planting of cannabis crops. During the early part of the season materials like fertiliser, wire netting and electric fencing to stop possums damaging plots are used. Keep in mind that it is a common tactic that cultivators grow on neighbouring properties. If you discover a drug plot on your private property you will not be held legally responsible. Anyone who might notice strange vehicles in their area or people claiming to be pig hunting but had no dogs should call police. Information given to police would be in strict confidence. The demand for cannabis is as strong as ever despite an increase in the use of methamphetamine. It is not uncommon that when police find cannabis, we also find methamphetamine.

■ September 2

Report received of an attempted burglary at Waihi College. Two men were captured on CCTV attempting to break into a school van and the technology classroom. Police are investigating.

■ September 3

A Holden Commodore vehicle was stolen from Waikino but it was located by police a few hours later near Pukekauri Rd. Police are awaiting forensic test results.

■ September 4

A quick police response and savvy technology allowed police to recover a stolen Apple iPhone that was taken from Waihi East School. The phone was tracked to a local address and recovered. A youth has been referred to the police youth aid officer.

A truck brought down a power pole and electrical cables at Beach Rd. Police and the power company attended the scene and made it safe. The accident allegedly occurred due to faulty hydraulics. The truck was issued a non-operation order until it is road worthy again. Prosecution may follow.

■ September 6

A Waihi man was arrested for historic theft and trespassing at New World.

Another Waihi man was arrested for breach of bail after he failed to present for a curfew check at his home address the night prior. He was in the company of a woman who was also wanted to arrest for similar offending.

A Waihi Beach man failed an alcohol breath screening test at a police traffic stop. The result of the test was 400 micrograms of alcohol. Prosecution will follow.

■ September 7

The same Waihi man that was arrested on Friday for theft and trespassing was arrested again for breach of bail after he failed to comply with his conditions. He was held in custody overnight in Hamilton for court.

Police are investigating a two vehicle non-injury traffic crash at the intersection of Galbraith and Kenny St. One of the vehicles rolled over after being struck by the other.

A daytime burglary at Waihi Bowling Club took place where an offender forced entry by smashing through a door and window with a piece of wood. The offender fled before police arrived. It occurred between 2pm-3pm. Police are seeking witnesses who may have seen the offender fleeing from the scene.

Road safety message

Week one of the September road policing operation focused on “distraction” has been and gone. Give yourself a pat on the back, Waihi, because we’ve had minimal reports from local police staff about motorists committing distraction related offences. Some of the more interesting examples of driver distraction we’ve come across in the last week were driving with ear-buds in listening to music but unable to hear a police siren trying to pull them over! And a driver with their pet sitting on their lap unrestrained between them and the vehicle controls was a worry too. However the most common offence is still operating a mobile phone while driving. Just pull over to the side of the road and stop before using it, problem solved.

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.