Waiouru Police File

Ruapehu Bulletin, Volume 9, Issue 408, 15 October 1991, Page 5

Waiouru Police File

BY

CHRIS

SCALES

From 14 October, the Ministry of Transport will be launching a campaign against speeding motorists, paying particular attention to those black spots on the roads where accidents are most likely to occur. There will be no warnings given and drivers caught speeding should expect to face prosecution or instant fines. Every speeding ticket carries 35 demerit points. If you receive three speeding tickets in a one-year period, expect to lose your licence for six months. If you receive three speeding tickets within two years, you can expect a three months

loss of licence. • In my last report I mentioned that the cannabis season is nearly underway and that those dealing in cannabis will be getting ready to plant their crops. Already, a 25year old local man has been arrested for cultivation. He will appear in the Taihape District Court later this month. If you are out and about, either hunting in the area or on your farms, give us a ring if you come across any plots. • A new member to the local business area had been in Waiouru less than a week when his motor vehicle was vandalised, to the tune of just over $2,000. Inquiries located a 31-year old local man who was arrested the following day for intentional damage, and he will appear in the Taihape District Court on 21 October. The same businessman also suffered a theft of an expensive bacon slicer. An unfortunate couple of events and not the best start, but we can assure you, that thankfully this type of offending is fairly rare in Waiouru. Welcome Mr Peter Saxby and his family to Waiouru and we trust that you enjoy Waiouru, and that the new BP Diner Restaurant does well. • A 54-year old man was prosecuted last Thursday for drink driving offences and he will

appear on the next Court date. • Last Saturday night, mot and Police carried out a mini drink driving blitz in Waiouru. Just about every vehicle that moved was stopped, with only three people being tested for alcohol consumption. Traffic Officer Lenihan and ourselves were extremely encouraged to see that nearly all vehicles that were stopped had a safe driver, non drinker or a life guard driving everyone around. Also pleasing is to see that the shuttle services offered in Waiouru, are now utilised more. No one faced prosecution for a drink driving offence as a result of the blitz, and only one local has faced charges for excess breath alcohol in well over a months. • Police, mot and ambulance attended an accident in the Turakina Valley area on Sunday in which a vehicle left the road and rolled. The three occupants, including two young children escaped virtually unscathed, with only a toddler haviiig to be treated for a bang on the head by ambulance staff near the scene. The value of having children secured by seatbelts in a vehicle was highlighted in this accident. Have a safe week and remember about the speed blitz being enforced.