Key Takeaways
- A deluge of rain caused flooding in Wairoa, with up to 80mm of rain falling in just two hours.
- A firefighting volunteer, Jane, was targeted by thieves while out clearing gutters and drains after the flood.
- The thieves stole food and household items, including margarine, bacon, milk, and ice cream.
- The incident is not the first time a firefighting volunteer in Wairoa has been targeted while serving the community.
- A similar incident occurred in June, where a volunteer’s car was broken into while on a fire call.
Introduction to the Incident
The town of Wairoa experienced a severe deluge of rain on Saturday, with up to 80mm of rain falling in just two hours, from 10am to midday. The heavy rainfall caused flooding in some streets, making them impassable. In the aftermath of the flood, a firefighting volunteer, Jane, was out clearing gutters, kerbs, and drains to help mitigate the damage. However, upon returning home, Jane discovered that his house had been burgled.
The Burglary
When Jane opened the refrigerator door, he found that several items were missing, including margarine, an opened new pack of bacon, a bag of Pineapple Lumps, and a two-litre bottle of milk. Further investigation revealed that the Magnum ice creams and Juicies had also been stolen from the freezer. A search of the house revealed that the intruder or intruders had been into other rooms, although the only other item appearing to be missing was a box of soap powder. Jane recalled that he had left for the job in a hurry and had left the door unlocked, which may have made it easier for the thieves to gain access to the house.
Previous Incidents
Unfortunately, this is not the first time a firefighting volunteer in Wairoa has been targeted by thieves while serving the community. In June, a volunteer’s car was broken into early in the morning while on a fire call. This incident highlights the vulnerability of emergency responders and their families to crime, even as they work to protect and serve their communities. The fact that Jane had only experienced one other burglary or theft at home before, which was years ago, makes this incident even more surprising and disturbing.
The Reporter’s Perspective
The incident was reported by Doug Laing, a seasoned journalist with over 50 years of experience in the news industry. Laing is a Hawke’s Bay Today reporter based in Napier and has a deep understanding of the community and its issues. His reporting on this incident highlights the importance of community safety and the need for residents to be vigilant, especially in times of crisis. The fact that a firefighting volunteer, who is dedicated to serving and protecting the community, was targeted by thieves is a disturbing reminder of the risks and challenges faced by emergency responders.
Conclusion
The burglary of Jane’s house while he was out serving the community is a shocking incident that highlights the importance of community safety and the need for residents to be vigilant. The fact that this is not the first time a firefighting volunteer in Wairoa has been targeted by thieves while serving the community is a disturbing trend that needs to be addressed. As the community comes together to support Jane and his family, it is essential to remember the importance of looking out for one another and reporting any suspicious activity to the authorities. By working together, we can create a safer and more supportive community for everyone, including our emergency responders.