Alexandra police are reminding car owners to take extra care after a recent spate of cars being broken into and valuables taken. 

Acting Sergeant Graham Perkins said there had been up to six incidents in a fortnight in the Killarney Street - Simmonds Street area.

“Being Alexandra, this doesn’t usually happen,” he said. 

“It’s someone new who has come to town.”

Police are following up on leads but he reminded residents to make sure their vehicles were secured and parked under lights, and that all valuables were removed from the vehicle.

Driving at speed was still a constant issue, with a driver stopped after doing 120km/h in a 50km/h zone on Tarbert Street over the weekend. That resulted in the vehicle being impounded and the driver’s licence taken. 

A vehicle was also clocked at 150km/h at Fruitlands in a 100km/h zone. The driver was also driving erratically, and the car was stopped in Roxburgh where it was safe to do so. The driver was transferred to Dunedin for further assessment.

With the general election looming and hoardings sprouting around the city, Graham said the signs had been vandalised frequently. 

“It happens every time there is an election,” he said. “Just leave them alone.”

The 66th Alexandra Blossom Festival is scheduled for next weekend (September 22-24) and Graham said police would maintain a presence, particularly with a group of car enthusiasts who drive through from Gore for the event.

“Last year, it was good,” Graham said. “As long as we’re friendly with them, they’re generally good and law-abiding.”

Police would also be present at Pioneer Park during the festival, although it was a well-run event with little for them to do, he said.

“We will be conducting breath testing in the area.”

Other road issues of concern were the removal or relocation of road cones from roadworks, and drivers exceeding speed restrictions that changed in Clyde, Earnscleugh Road, and Dunstan Road last year.

“The locals asked for these and it’s mainly the locals exceeding them,” Graham said. “The period for warnings finished a long time ago and people can expect an infringement notice if caught.”

Livestock were also an issue in the Cromwell Gorge and Ida Valley with spring bringing with it a new generation of goats and pigs, and drivers were advised to take extra care on those roads.

There may also be new faces on the force soon, with a constable’s position being advertised in Alexandra, and a sergeant’s position to take over the rural side of policing, supporting sole charge officers in Ranfurly, Omakau and Roxburgh.