Waiouru Police File

Ruapehu Bulletin, Volume 9, Issue 406, 1 October 1991, Page 16

Waiouru Police File

by

Qmis Scales

Unfortunately business appears to be picking up again. SERCO has again lost a quantity of petrol from their vehicles in the Serco compound over the previous week. Vehicle owners should be aware that petrol thefts are occurring in the area and should take steps to avoid suffering the same fate. • Stock thefts are starting to cause concern. Up to five beasts have been reported stolen recently, as well as large quantities of ewes. We ask that farmers pay particular attention to their stock and report any missing animals. • Last week, Vege Barn, on the main road, was broken into and cash stolen. This offence occurred sometime over Thursday night, early Friday morning. Did anyone see anything suspicious, or know anything about his burglary? Shop owners please note and ensure that you don't leave any cash on the premises when you lock up, including your floats, at least for the time being. This type of offence has happened too often lately. • A burglary also occurred at the Winstone Pulp Mill over last Friday or Saturday. A microwave oven and various other appliances have been reported stolen. • An expensive leather jacket belonging to one of our locals was reported stolen from the Oasis Restaurant on Friday. Patrons please ensure you don't leave clothing apparel unattended at any time if dining out. Items like these can be stolen very quickly, before the staff even realise that you have left something behind. • All store owners at some time have been frustrated when a cheque has been retumed to them because it has bounced or has been stolen. Waiouru is no different and because Waiouru is an area wheremost people are transient, we are probable more at risk. A good practice to get into is to record a vehicle registration if you think a cheque is suspect. In one business I was in last week, I was pleased to see that one staff member was taking great pains to ensure that the "cheque that was trying to be presented to him had proper verification and identification before being accepted. Store owners should continue to encourage their staff to do the same. • A stolen vehicle was recovered over the weekend thanks to a an observant member of the public. Stolen vehicles are normally dumped on the side of the road somewhere, or left for a period of time. A quick phone call to us if anything like this is observed can reunite an owner with his vehicle. Remember, it could be your car stolen next, and you would want someone to do the same for you. • With the warm weather on the way (non-locals would probably disagree), those budding market gardeners specialising in the cultivation of cannabis will be out and about getting their produce planted. If you come across any cannabis in your travels, give us a ring. If you don't know what the stuff looks like, call into the station and we will show you. Sorry, no free sampling. No arrests lately, but with your help, we may be able to arrest the offenders for the offences mentioned.