Warmest of welcomes Wanaka, with our changing weather in the area now.

As with previous Crimelines we reiterate the need for everyone to ensure vehicles are up to scratch and with a wary eye to the sky for snow, time to put the chains back in the car.

Well your local police have been very busy this week with a roundup of some of the events attended.

Unfortunately, we have had to deal with a number of cases involving persons suffering mental health issues, resulting in hospitalisation and various referrals to partner agencies. As these can be very traumatic, not only for the individuals concerned but family and friends, please do not be afraid to ask for help if suffering or witnessing someone going through tough times. It may just be the call to change a life around.

Family harm events have also been forefront this week with again external agencies being able to offer help and reassurance to those involved.

With the long weekend came an influx of visitors to the area, and with it came a jump in the amount of driving complaints. These have included but not limited to, passing on yellow no passing lines, speeding, slow drivers failing to pull over and dangerous passing manoeuvres causing others to take evasive action. Now we all know everyone is a fantastic safe driver, visitors, and locals alike so let’s show that out on the road with courtesy to each other.

The long weekend road toll for the country was not a good one with a number of families having loved ones never coming home again. It is never the door knock you want or we want to have to do so let’s all just take that extra bit of care and, as the adverts say remember our driving is shared so let’s think of our passengers and other road users.

Another trend which seems to be reoccurring at the moment is the residential theft of firewood. Please be vigilant around this and don’t be afraid to report any suspicious activity. It is an expensive commodity which no one wants to lose. Also, if you are gathering firewood from fallen trees by the roadside, make sure you have the owner’s permission to take it as it can save a lot of grief.

We still have a fair bit of found property at the station, so if you’ve lost an item like your wallet, phone with a screen that looks like you’ve put it under an industrial jack hammer, keys, bank cards or drivers licence with its awesome photo it’s always worth calling in and checking out as we love to reunite lost items with owners.

Well don’t forget to have a great and safe week Wanaka, keep wearing those cycle helmets and put those lights on your bike and as we say in the trade, catch you later.