Police Report

Hi Everyone,

Motueka is really starting to get busy, as it does at this time of year.

Traffic on the roads is becoming congested and waiting times at intersections are a lot longer. This is an unfortunate consequence of living in such a nice popular holiday area and we all just need to exercise a little patience and allow more time to go even short distances around town.

I recently had a report about someone on a mobility scooter on High Street who was holding up traffic and it appears some people may be unclear about the laws relating to driving these vehicles. If you, or someone you know uses a mobility scooter to get around, please ensure they know that they should be on the footpath at all times. Mobility scooters can only be driven on the road if there is no footpath or there is some genuine reason they cannot use the footpath. Mobility scooters need to be driven at a safe speed, and like all other traffic in town at present, they will need to slow down if foot traffic is heavy.

If you are going away this holiday season please ensure you lock up your house and ensure sheds and other property is secure. Have a friend or neighbour check on your place regularly if possible. The last thing anyone wants is to have a holiday ruined by coming home to find their house has been burgled.

Remember too, just because you are on holiday you shouldn’t relax your personal security. Make sure you lock the car if you’re out and about. Dishonest people will always look for the easiest target and some simple precautions will ensure that is not you.

Over the Christmas period families can be under increased stress, whether that be financial pressures or just having additional visitors or even childcare issues. There are a wide range of support services available here in Motueka and I encourage you to be brave and speak up if you or someone you know needs some extra support.

Have a safe and happy Christmas everyone.

Hamish Chapman Senior Sergeant, Prevention Group Nelson