The 111 Files: Public plays role in catching crims

The public can play a significant role in the capture of criminals.

After some deliberation and thought, this week I want to discuss the importance that members of the public play in the prevention of criminal activities and the huge role that you can play to assist our canine teams in successfully catching those who choose to commit crimes in our beautiful city.

Prevention: We, as law- abiding citizens, must constantly be vigilant of what we do to minimise opportunities for criminals.

Here are some simple ideas that will reduce any opportunities for them.

* If your garage faces the road, minimise the amount of time you leave it open for all to see.
* Should you be away for several days get your neighbour to collect your mail.
* Do not leave windows and doors unlocked even if only popping down to the dairy, install security locks on windows to allow them to be partially open.
* When gardening out the back of your home ensure the front door is locked. Some crooks will take any opportunity and these can be minimised.

Assisting our trusty canine teams, use the motto see something, do something.

If it looks suspicious it is. Have confidence in your first instinct and assessment of something.

Call 111, don't spook the bad man by telling him you're calling, stay indoors or where you are, don't chase him and start looking for him, I assure you that your nose is not as good as our trained canines'.

Human ability to smell is 5 million olfactory cells - a dog's is 220 million.

Be patient and wait for the police, often by staying calm we all achieve the desired result. Stay safe.

Sergeant Jason Owen is the Dog Section supervisor for Rotorua and Taupo