It might seem obvious but Alexandra Police Acting Sergeant Graham Perkins has reminded defendants that they need to appear at any scheduled court date.

At last week’s court date, a couple of people failed to appear, he said.

“If people don’t appear, a warrant is issued,” he said. “If people are charged with an offence, it’s in their best interest to turn up to court otherwise it impacts on them and their employment. If they are unable to make an appearance at court, they should advise the court or get their lawyer to advise police and then a warrant won’t be issued.”

Another problem the police often see is defendants breaching bail conditions, especially for charges that involve victims, Graham said.

“One condition is not to contact the victims, directly or indirectly, through social media or through friends and acquaintances,” he said. “We take those very seriously as the victim needs that separation.

“That period of time is for them to get their affairs in order, for both parties to seek help or counselling so they can deal with it without pressure from that person placed upon them.

“Police take a serious line when we deal with these people as they have a court order and must abide by that court order.”

In cases of family harm, the police not only took alleged offenders to court but engaged with other agencies to provide support to victims and members of their families.

Graham said road policing is a big part of their job and the main areas they target come under what they call RIDS. 

R is restraints, or seatbelts; I is impairment, through drugs or alcohol; D is distraction; and S is speed.

“Anything that takes you away from driving is a distraction - eating a pie, changing the radio,” he said. “Cellphone usage is rising and it is a major cause of distraction and vehicle crashes as well.”

The crash unit finds that out when they do a call log of the time of the crash and it comes back showing the driver was on their cellphone at that time.

There were also regular driving licence breaches by young drivers who were on learner or restricted licences. 

“We are finding them out and about after the allowed hours, or carrying passengers in breach of their driver’s licence.”

Recently, there had been some wilful damage of the public toilets beside the Alexandra BMX track, Graham said.

There are CCTV cameras in the area and police ask that witnesses call them if they observe any damage being done.

“If it continues, the toilets run the risk of being closed.”

Youth Aid officer Angela Graham is running a BLAST (Blue Light Alternative Strategy for Teenagers) programme in schools in the Maniototo for Years 10-13, involving the schools and Central Sports.

The initiative involves the students in activities and workshops and focuses on trust-building and problem solving.

“It looks at forging a relationship between youth and the police,” Angela said. “We have run the BLAST programme here at Dunstan, Cromwell and Roxburgh, and we’re starting it up in Maniototo.”

The Alexandra Police curling team, Blue Steel, recently finished the social season of their winter sport, with players switching in and out of the team to suit their rosters.

“Everybody enjoyed it,” Graham said. “It’s just a good way to get out and get to know the community and they’re talking about a summer bowls tournament.”

The same team name was used for a team that entered the recent ANZ Daffodil Day quiz night at the Alexandra District Club.

The team was pleased to come third in the quiz, Graham said, but more so that the event raised $8,000 for the Cancer Society.