Arson at Waiouru Club

Ruapehu Bulletin, Volume 9, Issue 404, 17 September 1991, Page 20

Arson at Waiouru Club

by

Chris

scales

In the last two weeks we have had extremely busy periods and then periods where it has been very quiet allowing the mounting paper work to be tackled. • There was an arson at the Waiouru's Corporal Club, early on Saturday morning, 14 September. The offender or offenders attempted to set the building alight in several places. In one area, a window was broken and the curtain set alight. This resulted in damage to the surrounding window area, ceiling and floor. Fortunately, the fire did not take hold, and had died out when discovered. The damage however, suggest that had the fire continued damage could have been far worse and may have resulted in the building being destroyed. This is an extremely serious and alarming offence. If we have an arsonist in the Waiouru area, everybody is at risk. The next time this person strikes could result in serious property damage or injury to some people. We need to find the person or persons responsible quickly before they strike again. We appeal to anybody in the community who may have any information, no matter how small, about this incident to contact the Police. Any information will be treated confidentially and can be anonymous if wished. • At the beginning of last week, in

conjunction with Ohakune and Taihape Police, we raided several addresses in the surrounding areas, resulting in the arrests of nine people who will be facing charges ranging from possession of cannabis, cannabis oil, LSD, possession of cannabis for supply, and firearm of fences. These people will be appearing in court later this week. • Later in the week, 12 healthy cannabis plants were found by an inquisitive soldier's foray into scrub area near the Tangiwai Memorial. Anyone missing these plants can call into the Police Station. • Also during this week four vehicles in the Serco compound in the Military Camp were tampered with and petrol stolen from all vehicles. • During the previous week, the Fire Station has been receiving malicious and strange phone calls, with one shift receiving up to twelve. Any person contemplating making such phone calls, either to annoy or for a laugh, should think again. The police and courts take a dim view on such antics, especially when the calls are made to an emergency service. Telecom can trace these types of calls very easily, and anybody caught will be arrested. The penalty for the misuse of a telephone carries three months imprisonment and a $2,000 fine. Expect to be hit hard if caught.