Well I am glad the alert level has been lowered which will allow our A&P Society to continue with running the show this weekend, especially as I have some time to attend what is a great occasion for the town.

As for the week of crime and enforcement we had a varied if relatively quiet week of occurrences.

Monday saw a young man suspended for excess demerit points on his driver’s licence. A male was apprehended for excess breath alcohol again at a very high level that led to his suspension from driving for 28 days prior to his court appearance.

Police also dealt with an ongoing family harm matter and the report of students assaulting one another at Mount Aspiring College. The school and police will take appropriate action bearing in mind the youthful age of those involved.

Tuesday saw a number of motorists apprehended for driving while using cell phones, please amend this behaviour. Time to purchase that hands free set up.

Wednesday saw police deal with reported damage to a mailbox on Gunn Road, Albert Town. Police enquiries are ongoing.

Police dealt with a couple of mental health incidents this week. Should you or anyone of your family or friends need support please come and see us or contact the Mental Health Crisis team on 0800 46 78 46.

Saturday was a busy night for police with lots of disorder and fights around town.

Someone has damaged a water fountain on Ash Avenue and police also dealt with an incident in which a pedestrian was struck on Hedditch Street. The driver of the vehicle was found to have excess breath alcohol.

Sunday saw Police called to another major family harm matter from which the male party has been arrested and charged. Thankfully the victim is now engaging with police about this and other historical abuse matters.

With regard to other lost property our watchhouse officer was delighted to reunite one of the hearing aids with their owner this week. This owner wished to express their gratitude to the finder. We still have one hearing aid looking for an owner so if you have lost such an item please come and check with us.

Police also have a hunting arrow found near the Mount Iron walking/bicycle track; this is not an appropriate place to use something that can be classified as an offensive weapon.

Enjoy the show if you attend this week, remember the social distancing and recommended Covid safety measures, keep your defences up and let us keep this pandemic at bay as we approach the anniversary of our first New Zealand lock down.