Safer Communities

6 safercommunities

Summer has arrived and we all want to take advantage of the good weather. The Rodney Police want everyone to enjoy our beautiful coast and beaches safely and happily.

The local boat ramps are already full of cars and trailers left for the day, while boaties enjoy a day on the waves.

I would like to remind everyone to keep there valuables secure and out of sight. Please don’t leave the keys to your vehicle on the tyres of your vehicle – that is the first place any diligent thief checks.

If you are spending the day on a boat, secure your keys and phone in a waterproof floating container, making sure it is secure and assessable. A click/clack lunch box is a common solution.

Trailers have become sought-after items as, once the number plates have been removed, it is very hard to distinguish them. Having the rego welded onto the chassis is a cheap and effective method to ensure identification. The keen fishermen are up and gone at first light to guarantee a decent catch and often pack the boat the night before to ensure an early start. Unfortunately, an open boat packed full of expensive gear is a target for the opportunist thief. It’s very difficult to catch fish without your rods, fish-finder or petrol tank.

For those of you who enjoy more leisurely pursuits like lying on the beach, just remember not to leave valuables unattended.

Secure your home before heading to the beach; take 2 minutes to check the doors and windows before leaving. Don’t return home from a great day at the beach to find you have had unwelcome visitors. Burglar alarms provide great peace of mind and are a proven deterrent.

This brings me to my last summer hint: If you sleep with windows open, make sure you have security stays fitted. Check all your windows and doors before turning in for the night. The mild weather means more people are out and about wandering in the evenings.

Be safe this Summer.

Constable Michael Brown Community Constable

Orewa Police Station | 4 Riverside Road | Orewa | PO Box 50 | Orewa P 09 426 4555 | E MBX747@police.govt.nz

Danger Alert : Linseed Oil Can Be A Real Danger

The festive season is rapidly approaching and high on the agenda for some is tidying up the garden and getting a few handy jobs completed.

I want to remind everyone to take extra care when re-staining decks or outdoor furniture. A common product to be used is linseed or teak oil. These products do a great job – BUT there are some real dangers if the cloths or brushes are not handled carefully after use.

Always refer to the manufacturer’s warning label

Linseed oil can and will self-combust under certain conditions, so always read the manufacturer’s warning label and dispose of or store oiled cloths and brushes with extra care. One tip is to place cloths, brushes or towels in an air-tight container, preferably a tin, semi-filled with water.

DON’T LEAVE IN A BOX OR IN THE CORNER OF THE GARAGE!

Linseed oil is linked to many fires and a quick search of the Internet will confirm what I have seen personally.

Please take care: Linseed oil is a potential, silent killer lurking in your garage. ney area – have been kept busy attending scrub and bush fires of late. Most were started from fireworks or people not thinking of the potential risk of the fire.

Please refer to the local Council Office for fire permits and please use common sense.

Check the BBQ

Before the BBQ gets a bit of use, please check connections are tight and the BBQ and fittings are in a sound and safe working condition.

Have a safe Festive Season

Station Officer Dave Lattimore Silverdale Volunteer Fire Brigade