Timber swindlers

WILLIAM WOODWORTH

The scheme was first launched in 2015 but was forced to end in December 2018 when offshore plants processing New Zealand’s plastic no longer wanted it.

“All of Blenheim’s soft plastic will be collected and processed locally, and then recycled into fence posts which will more than likely end up on local farms and vineyards and the posts themselves are 100 per cent recyclable if they need to be replaced.”

Marlborough Mayor Nadine Taylor says the reintroduction of soft plastic recycling in the Marlborough District is exciting, and more so because the plastic collected will be recycled locally.

“It’s great to see the soft plastic recycling bins back in stores across the district, and even better that the plastic collected here will be processed, and recycled into other products, right here in Blenheim – an excellent example of our local businesses working together to reduce our collective impact on the environment.”

The distinctive recycling bins can be found at five locations–Countdown Blenheim, Countdown Redwoodtown, The Warehouse Blenheim and New World Blenheim, as well as the Marlborough Hazardous Waste Centre.

Catching an alleged thief on camera, members of a Blenheim community group were relieved they had paid for an expensive CCTV system.

Blenheim Menzshed reported the theft of donated wood to police after capturing images and video of the crime, as well as the alleged thieves number plate.

But members now fear they have wasted their money after police came back to them saying there wasn’t enough evidence to prosecute.

Menzshed chairperson Dave Oliver was first to check the cameras and walked down to the police station to give a statement.

“After the last time we had this, we put in the cameras, but we’re not sure if the money on our security systems is worth it when we have all of the proof you’d think you’d need but nothing happens. We also sent in all the details we could find and the best images from the footage to the police including the car and registration, but we didn’t manage to get a clear picture of the woman.”

The 1.45am haul on the Thursday June 22 saw seven pieces of donated walnut swiped from outside the Dillion’s Point Road centre.

Dave says he thought the wood would be safe for one night as the area was under surveillance.

“When I came in the next day to put it away and saw the cameras, we were shocked.”

Menzshed members examined the footage for details on the thieves including finding the vehicle’s registration plates. He then contacted the 105 non-emergency number to give extra details to police. But police emailed the next morning saying that there was insufficient evidence to support a prosecution.

After the Marlborough Weekly enquired about the theft to the police, a spokesperson says the newer evidence was now being considered.

“Unfortunately, the officer who was looking after the case had not been advised of the additional CCTV footage that the victim submitted via the crime reporting line,” the spokesperson says. “Now he is aware, he will be reviewing it to see if there is anything which will assist in identifying the offender/s. The officer will also be getting in touch with the victim directly”.