Volunteers keep Waikato safer

Waikato Times, 12 January 2008

KEEPING WATCH: Michael Gill and Marjorie
Hodgson keep an eye out at Bridal Vail Falls.

Volunteers are keeping thieves at bay by watching out at key spots all over the Waikato. Belinda Feek reports.

As people enjoy their favourite tourist spot this summer, there's another group of people giving up their time to watch over their belongings.

They are members of the Community Patrols of New Zealand, who give hours of their time every month making sure vehicles and property are safe as people visit various tourist spots.

Keeping potential thieves away from vehicles at Bridal Veil Falls, near Raglan, this week were members of the Raglan Night Owl community patrol, Michael Gill and his associate Marjorie Hodgson.

Not only do they patrol the town's streets at night, but they also monitor various tourist spots during the day.

Mr Gill said since their branch was formed 10 years ago, the patrol had had a huge impact on reducing the thefts from vehicles in local holiday hot spots.

"It's been huge. The first year of operation the night time crime stats (in Raglan) dropped by 15 per cent."

Ms Hodgson is proud of still giving her time despite turning 83 in April. She became involved to help get the "naughty kids" off the streets.

"When I first started it was terrible. I see a few of them now and they've grown and married and all have their own kids."

The pair had been with the patrols since it was instigated by fellow Raglan resident, and then-local policeman, Kevin Holmes.

Mr Holmes, now a Hamilton fire safety officer, said a public meeting in the town helped seal the idea after a number of break-ins at the local kindergarten.

"It's been great. It really has made a difference ... I know the police really appreciate it.

"Bridal Veil Falls is a hot spot for thefts from vehicles. If we can get out there and do our bit it frees (police) up to do other things. The last thing we want is people coming to Raglan and having their vehicles cleaned out."

Fourteen community patrols patrol North Hamilton, West Hamilton, Ngatea, Paeroa, Waihi, Whitianga, Thames and Te Awamutu.