A message posted on Facebook about mysterious white lines painted on Raglan roads claimed that the white lines were evidence of dog thieves planning to steal dogs. Over 100 Facebookers liked the post. Many Facebookers commented on it, some being dubious about the suggestion. Some suggested it was an urban myth.
Police initiated an investigation into the claim, but so far they have found nothing. Investigations by Raglan 23 have found that the lines were painted by a contractor working for the NZ Transport Agency (NZTA). They relate to the condition of the road.
Raglan 23 contacted the Waikato District Council and was told that the white marks on the road are inspection marks to show that the condition of the road has been inspected. This road condition rating takes place on 10 to 100% (depending on the network) of all sealed roads in New Zealand every two years. Raglan was completed about 1 to 2 weeks ago. The road condition rating is not an activity done by the Waikato Council, it is an NZTA requirement completed by their own service providers.
The original post on 2nd March said, “Dog thieves have now discovered beautiful Raglan a friend of mine has given evidence of markings outside her house we know these are the markings of dog thieves as this is happening all over Waikato as we speak. These people come and take your dogs when you are not home entering your property pretending to be dog control …
Council have been called and these are not their markings. If you have these please call them and let them know. Also if you see a white van please get a description of the driver and number plate and report these ruthless thugs! Raglan is a small town with great people and if we work together to catch these criminals we can make Whaingaroa safer.
On 3rd March Raglan Police said, “At this time these claims concerning the white markings are unsubstantiated and Hamilton Police are looking into it.”
So no need to worry about the white markings Raglanders and the Hamilton Police can end their investigation.