Police intercept rogue rural thieves
Quick thinking from members of the public has led Police to stopping a pair of thieves from stealing items from rural mailboxes.
Southern District Police are investigating a number of thefts, with tools and ATVs among the items stolen across a wide area, from the outskirts of Invercargill to as far out as Hedgehope.
Detective Senior Sergeant Gregory Baird, area manager investigation, is urging people to help Police by reporting suspicious behaviour.
“We’re asking rural communities, no matter where you are, to keep an eye out,” says Baird. “If something seems weird, tell us.”
He says suspicious or illegal activity should be reported by calling 111 immediately if it’s happening now, or on 105 if it’s after the fact.
“When you make a report, we’re able to see where crime is happening, and where our attention needs to be,” Baird says.
“Don’t wait, don’t assume it’s ‘probably nothing’ – trust your instincts,” he says.
Rural crime is typically under-reported, and Baird says people need to change that.
Approximately two-thirds of rural burglaries take place at properties with little-to-no security in place, but ‘target hardening’ can be as simple as locking gates or sheds.
“Think of criminal as being lazy. They want easy targets where they can get in and out quickly. Don’t make it easy for them,” Baird concludes.
As New Zealand enters the summer months, rural insurer FMG is reminding farmers and growers to take extra care with a new campaign.
Hawke’s Bay’s Silt Recovery Taskforce has received the Collaboration Excellence Award at the Association of Local Government Information Management (ALGIM) Awards.
Construction is underway at Fonterra’s new UHT cream plant at Edendale, Southland following a groundbreaking ceremony recently.
The New Zealand Veterinary Association (NZVA) has launched a new summer checklist for animal owners this year.
The Amuri Basin Future Farming (ABFF) Project in North Canterbury is making considerable strides in improving irrigation efficiency, riparian management, and environmental innovation.
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