Patrol seeks sponsorship

Warkworth Police are on track to start a community patrol in the Mahurangi area this summer.Senior Constable Garry Morning says the Friday and Saturday night patrol will allow Police to respond to crime more efficiently and could prevent incidents from happening. So far, 16 volunteers have come forward to support the initiative but more recruits are needed.

“Volunteers aren’t expected to take any action if there is criminal activity, but to liaise with Police so we can target our work,” Garry says. “During summer, we get a lot of nuisance offences such as public disorder and vehicle crime, but we have a large area to cover and we can’t be everywhere at once. Community Patrols provide a longer presence and can keep and eye on things.”

Volunteers work in pairs and are expected to do one patrol a month. About 20 volunteers are needed for two patrols a week in Mahurangi, which will cover Omaha, Leigh, Snells Beach and Kaipara Flats. The group will be based at the Mahurangi East Police Station in Snells Beach and shifts are likely to be from 9pm to 1am. All volunteers are vetted by Police and trained by Community Patrols NZ. Warkworth businesses New World and Lee & Hart Pharmacy have already come onboard as sponsors, but more sponsorship is needed to purchase a vehicle.

“I’d love to hear from anyone who could help,” Garry says.

Community Patrols have been successfully established in Orewa, Whangaparaoa and Helensville, with more than 150 throughout New Zealand. Patrols are facilitated by Police, but are an independent organisation funded by fundraising and sponsorship.

Garry can be contacted at the Warkworth Police Station on 425 8109.