Police Appeal To Trampers, Yachtsmen To Take Care

Press, Volume XCIX, Issue 29389, 16 December 1960, Page 10

Police Appeal To Trampers, Yachtsmen To Take Care

(New Zealand Press Association)

WELLINGTON, December 15. There was an excellent response from the public to the police appeal last year to take greater care of lives and property during the holiday season, said the Commissioner of Police (Mr W. S. Brown) today. He said he hoped similar cooperation would be received during the coming summer months. “It is highly desirable that hikers and trampers do hot go into the bush alone, and that they, go with someone who is experienced,” he said. “This applies particularly to schoolboys and students, who hsfve got into difficulties in the past through tackling ' unfamiliar country with inadequate knowledge and Equipment. “They should tell parents or near relatives their proposed route and the approximate date the party is expected back,' so that if relatives become worried they can give the police some definite information to work on.

“Also, any f tramper whose return has been unduly delayed and who has reason to think that a search party may be under way for him should report his whereabouts to the nearest police station immediately on coming out of the bush, as searches can cost the country thousands of pounds.” Mr Brown said the most important precaution for yachtsmen and launchmen before going on extended or coastal cruises was to fill in one of the Marine Department 10-minute forms which were available at police stations In coastal areas. Should relatives or friends become apprehensive over the non-arrival of a craft, the infbr-

mation supplied in the form enabled the police quickly to assess the’ seriousness of the delay. This was a valuable aid if a search proved necessary. Houseowners’ Precautions Referring to the protection of property during the holiday season, the commissioner said one of the most helpful precautions people who were leaving their houses vacant could take was To tell their neighbours where they could be reached, and the approximate length of time they would be away, so that they could be reached quickly by the police in an emergency. Other safeguards were to make certain that all doors and windows were securely locker 1 and that the daily newspaper was cancelled. “I strongly advise businessmen against leaving large sums of money in their premises during the Christmas-New Year period," said Mr Brown. “It pays to go to the extra trouble of making alternative arrangements for its safekeeping.” Mr Brown also warned people shopping during the next few weeks to be careful not to leave articles in unlocked cars, particularly in easily visible places. Thefts from cars took only a few seconds and it was difficult to detect the offenders who could speedily disappear into a crowd.