On Monday police dealt with a vehicle collision at the corner of Brownston Street and Helwick Street, one party was issued an infringement notice for failing to give way appropriately.

Often the press refer to ‘shop lifting’ events, they are more appropriately called 'shop theft' and place a considerable burden on our retail businesses who have to cover their costs by raising prices which affects the honest clientele.

These are not a matter of stealing to subsist but targeting luxury items from the grocery aisles.

Police are currently dealing with a large spate of shop thefts at our supermarkets. Modern surveillance systems enable the offending to be detected and linked, Big Brother is watching!

The offenders need to consider that police will charge for such offences, and they will be facing multiple charges in court. And they will have the inconvenience of not being able to shop locally.

On Monday evening a drink driver was apprehended. Their sober passenger took over driving duties, which is perhaps what they should have done in the first place.

An excessive speeder clocked at double the speed limit on Aubrey Road was dealt with. They now have their licence suspended.

Police also dealt with an issue of stock on the roadway. Farmers please ensure your fencing meets the necessary standards to ensure the safety of the stock and road users.

Wednesday saw a further two drink drivers taken off the roads and further reports of shop theft.

Thursday evening saw another drink driver apprehended.

Police received report of wilful damage to a vehicle on Tenby Street and another drink driver was apprehended.

Saturday saw police dealing with a family harm matter and some disorderly behaviour in the Wānaka area.

To all our retailers we are currently dealing with regular and prolific shop theft offenders, please report all incidents so that we are able too fully assess the scale of the problem, and deal with all identifiable offenders.

With the additional staffing resources we have recently received we will be in a better position to deal with such offending.

We will place the offenders before the court and seek reparation for the items they have stolen.

Take care everyone. Have a great week.