Tūrangi Police: Generous victim gives youth a second chance

New speed limits are in force on State Highway 1 from Taupō Airport to Motuoapa. Photo / File

Kia ora koutou. Things have been pretty good here lately with the exception of a couple of burglaries over the last weekend.

Thanks to some information from the community last week we were able to locate a stolen quad bike at a house in Tūrangi which had been taken a couple of weeks prior and we're making ongoing inquiries in relation to it. We would not have been able to do that had it not been for some public help.

We don't know what we don't know, so it is really important that you let us pass on anything that can help us solve or prevent crimes. You can call it in on 105 or anonymously on the Crimestoppers line 0800 555 111.

We've had some really good successes with a number of our youth lately.

You may recall a couple of months ago we were having a bit of a crime wave in Tūrangi. We've been able to work with some of them, particularly one who has gone through the family group conference process. He's also been involved with social services and the victim of his crime.

What was amazing was that after hearing this boy's story and what he has been through, the victim actually offered him an apprenticeship at his business.

Now, he's employed and he's got the opportunity to get a trade and that's going to set him and his family up for the rest of his life if he gets the right support around him.

We're going to keep walking beside him, along with other groups, to keep that support going. I'd also like to thank this man supporting the youth and his whānau in what will be a life-changing opportunity.

Sergeant Te Reipa Morunga, Tūrangi Police. Photo / File

The Tūrangi Volunteer Recruitment Expo last Thursday and again last Sunday went really well for all the services and the turnout on Thursday was particularly good.

We are still looking for more volunteers for our Tūrangi community patrols and if you can help with those, or in any of the other services, contact the Tūrangi Police Station.

Finally, locals are getting used to the new speed limit changes on State Highway 1 between Tūrangi and Taupō although over Labour weekend we found there were more than few drivers who definitely were not used to it.

Our approach is education at this stage but be aware that there's only so many times that locals will be 'educated' and enforcement will definitely come at some point.

Kia pai tō wiki, Te Reipa.