4 minute read
Reporting crime
Reporting crime: See something, do something
Albert Einstein was quoted as saying: “If I were to remain silent, I’d be guilty of complicity”.
Many people in today’s society do not follow that quote. They see suspicious activity and do not report it – they may intend to report it, but fail to do so. By doing that you are effectively condoning what has been going on! I know that some people are frightened about becoming involved. However, if you don’t report something when you see it, you are effectively giving your consent. If you see something suspicious you should contact the police immediately. The police can only act on the information they receive. By seeing something and doing nothing you are allowing burglars, vandals, thugs, drug sellers etc. to continue in their sordid ways. A lot of crime can be prevented. Still there are some really simple things we can do. Things such as reporting people or vehicles acting suspiciously. If truants are seen walking the streets, contact their school and report what you have seen. If there is a valid reason for them being out of school minimal harm has been done, but if they are truant, they could be up to no good, they could be preparing to “knock off” someone’s home. Your report could prevent that from happening. By reporting suspicious behaviour you may be preventing the beginnings of a criminal life style by stopping it in its tracks. Remember a big oak tree grows from a small acorn. The same way a criminal starts on a life of crime with a first step, often as a youngster truant from school. Your report may be the trigger point to stop it developing into something bigger. If for whatever reason you wish to report something anonymously to the police, contact “Crimebusters” on 0800-555-111. Neighbourhood Support Groups are encouraged to be observant and to report suspicious behaviour. This helps to reduce the crime level in Neighbourhood Support streets. In Rotorua there is a coverage of over 37 percent of the district’s occupied households, yet Neighbourhood Support covered areas have only 20 percent of the residential crime. Join a group in your area or if there isn’t one there get one started, the sooner the better. For further information, contact Neighbourhood Support Canterbury on (03) 420 9944, or by email to manager@canterburynz.co.nz Page 69
Alcoholics Anonymous New Zealand
The only requirement for membership is a desire to stop drinking.
There are no dues or fees for A.A. membership; we are self supporting through our own contributions.
A.A. is not allied with any sect, denomination, politics, organisation, or institution; does not wish to engage in any controversy, neither endorses nor opposes any causes.
Our primary purpose is to stay sober and help other alcoholics to achieve sobriety.
A.A. can help people of any age and background so youth drinking, teen drinking, drinking alone, drinking at home, solo drinking and elderly drinking are all factors that have brought people to A.A., and we have members aged from 16 through to 96.
If you find problem drinking, binge drinking, drinking blackouts or other alcohol problems are affecting your life and that of your friends and family, Alcoholics Anonymous may have the solution for you.
To find out if we can help, try our ‘Are you an alcoholic?’ quiz at www.aa.org.nz or contact AA by ringing 0800 229 6757. Alcoholics Anonymous is a fellowship of men and women who share their experience, strength and hope with each other that they may solve their common problem and help others to recover from alcoholism.
Alcoholics Anonymous is a fellowship of men and women who share their experience, strength and hope with each other that they may solve their common problem and help others to recover from alcoholism.
IN THE EVENT THAT YOU MIGHT BE REQUIRED TO EVACUATE YOUR HOME, DO YOU HAVE A PLAN?
A FEW QUESTIONS TO ASK YOURSELF
Based on the information available, and my knowledge of the area...” Do I need to evacuate?” If the answer is “YES”... Do you have a place to go? How will I get there?... Will I take my vehicle? Will transport be provided?, Will I have to walk? What do I need to take with me?
SO... LET’S TAKE THESE DETAILS ONE AT A TIME. DO YOU KNOW:
Where will you go?
The safest route to get there?
How long it will take to get there?
What do I need to take with me?
Medications (regualry taken)
Important documents (Birth/marrigae certifactes; Home insurance; Drivers license; Passport etc)
Sturdy Shoes (especially if leaving on foot)
Snacks/Water
Warm Jacket (both wind & waterproof)
Money (A small amount of cash in small denomations - not $100 bills)
Do I need to evacuate?
If the answer to this is YES... where will you be going?
To a friend or family?
To a welfare centre?
Simply to higher ground?
How will I get there?
Am I going by vehicle?
Am I going to walk?
Is transport provided?
IT IS REALLY IMPORTANT THAT THIS IS A DISCUSSION YOU HAVE WITH YOUR FAMILY AND A PLAN IS SET IN PLACE.
