Bridget Simmonds was dropped off at a Whangārei supermarket on February 23 but the 42 year-old woman hasn't been seen by her family since. The Northland woman was last seen about midday on February 23 at Countdown Regent in Whangārei. Simmonds was reported missing on March 6 by her family who said the lack of contact from her was out of character. Police began making inquiries at the time and are now appealing to the public again, Detective Constable Joseph Reuben said. Simmonds has a large distinctive tattoo of a fairy on her upper left arm, was last seen wearing a dark coloured singlet and black jeans, and had three large black and grey backpacks with her. Anyone who may have picked her up in their car or taxi or taken her anywhere is urged to contact the police. Police are also interested in hearing from anyone who may have been in contact with her in the weeks leading up to her disappearance. They can contact Detective Constable Reuben on 021 191 5901 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
Firefighter recruitment drive
Fire stations across Northland will open their doors to the public tomorrow night to offer an insight into the world of volunteer firefighting. There are 42 stations in Northland needing volunteers from firefighters to administrators, and every role is vital for the efficient running of the stations. From urban and rural firefighting to medical response as well as accounts and admin, there are many different ways people in our community can contribute. The Northland brigades participating in the open night from 5pm to7 pm are — Ahipara, Broadwood, Cavalli, Dargaville, Hihi, Hikurangi, Houhora, Kaeo, Kaikohe, Kaikohe, Kaitaia, Kaiwaka, Kamo, Karikari, Kawakawa, Kerikeri, Kohukohu, Mangawhai Heads, Mangonui, Maungakaramea, Maungaturoto, Ngunguru, Okaihau, Omapere, Onerahi, Paihia, Paparoa, Portland, Rangiputa, Rawene, Rawhiti, Ruakaka, Ruawai, Russell, Taupo Bay, Te Kopuru, Tinopai, Towai, Waipu, Whananaki, Whangarei Heads, Whangarei Operational Support Unit. The Kaikohe Volunteer Fire Brigade at 4 Clifford St and the Kaikohe Volunteer Rural Fire Brigade at 1B Recreation Rd will both be open. In Whangarei, come to the Whangarei Operational Support Unit, not the Whangarei Fire Station, on Mansfield Terrace.
Ram raids probed
Police continue to investigate two ram raids in which thousands of dollars worth of damage was done but only a few items were stolen. Last Friday a stolen vehicle was used to smash through the front doors of GAS Tikipunga about 4.05am then Parua Bay Four Square at 4.33am. The damage is expected to cost many thousands of dollars to repair but nothing was taken from the service station and only a few items were stolen from the grocery store. No arrests had been made.
