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Relevant offers EYES AND EARS: Some of the Orewa Community Patrol team, from left: Kelvin and Margaret Stevens, Orewa community constable Jason Homan, Rowland Spencer, Chris Goddard and Laurie Swan. Extra eyes and ears are useful for police – especially at night. The Orewa Community Patrol has provided just that for four years. The team of 22 volunteers takes turns to drive the streets of Orewa, Red Beach and Silverdale on Friday and Saturday nights and often during the week. The patrol is run from Orewa community constable Jason Homan's office. Member Margaret Stevens says it has helped with several incidents. "One night we saw a guy wandering out on the road near Waiwera," she says. "We helped get him off the road until police arrived. Usually we don't get out of our cars though for safety reasons." The group also spotted a suspicious truck parked in Silverdale late one night. "We called it in to police and it turned out they were in the middle of a burglary," Margaret says. The team observes what goes on in the community but doesn't get in the middle of things, she says. Members who see suspicious activity record all details and report it to the constable the next morning. They call the Orewa duty sergeant directly in emergencies. The team's two patrol vehicles, donated by Transfield, are kept in good working order thanks to member and retired mechanic Kelvin Stevens. Volunteers are all qualified first-aiders, and have had fire and Civil Defence training. Patrol members must also have a full driver's licence and police clearance. Patroller Chris Goddard provides ongoing training. Volunteers do two nights every four to six weeks, for around four hours a night. The Orewa Community Patrol seeks more volunteers. Contact Orewa community constable Jason Homan on (09) 426-1118 if you are interested in joining the community patrol. |
