Central Otago Police have dealt with assault and driving infringements this past week, and have issued a reminder to keep an eye out for neighbours and friends.

On Monday August 18 the Otago Lakes Central Road Policing Team stopped a 46-year-old international driver for excess speed on State Highway 8, Omarama. 

As a result of this he was issued with an infringement notice, his driver’s licence was suspended for 28 days, and his vehicle rental agreement was cancelled, Alexandra Police Sergeant Derek Ealson said.

On Saturday August 16 Alexandra Police attended a vehicle collision on Gregg Street, Alexandra, where the driver of a Honda Accord collided with a pedestrian crossing the road. 

The 32-year-old Alexandra male driver was issued with a written traffic warning.

On Friday August 15, Alexandra Police arrested a 39-year-old Omakau male in relation to an assault that had occurred earlier in the night at a licenced premise in Lauder. 

He received police bail and is due to appear in the Alexandra District Court later this week (August 21). 

On Wednesday August 13 a 52-year-old Alexandra male was arrested and charged with driving while forbidden and his vehicle impounded. He is due to appear in the Alexandra District Court on September 18. 

Central Otago is a caring place, but it’s a good time to reflect on friends, neighbours and family and to make sure of their welfare, especially those who are known to be in poor health and living alone, Sergeant Ealson said.

“In lots of cases, older members of our community might be more isolated than you realise, and winter can make that worse. 

“Notice whether or not your neighbour has any regular visitors. If their family lives far away and they don't leave the house much, they may appreciate someone popping over for some company.”

If you have not seen your neighbour for a while, pay particular attention to some simple signs:

• Do the lights come on at night?
• Do the curtains get drawn?
• Is the garden tended?
• There may be an accumulation of mail under their door or sticking out of the letter box.

If you have any reason to suspect that your neighbour might be in need of help, knock on the door to check they are okay. 

“If you have any concerns, please call Police on 111 so we can do a welfare check to make sure they’re okay,” Sergeant Ealson said.

If you see any suspicious or unlawful activity happening now, please call police on 111 with as much information as you can safely gather.

For reporting after the fact or in non-emergencies, please contact police online at 105police.govt.nz, or call 105.

You can also provide information anonymously online at Crime Stoppers or by calling 0800 555 111.