Community Hub helps cut crime - Constable

Patrollers from Te Puke Community Hub include Carolyn Symans, Constable Tawhai Schuster and Wayne Gillgren.

Te Puke Community Hub is a voluntary organisation that has been operating for three years, serving the community and acting as the eyes and ears for local police.

It operates from premises in Commerce Lane three days a week and patrols cover the Te Puke CBD from 9am until 3pm.

Since the patrollers started operating in 2011, there has been a significant reduction in theft from vehicles and that reduction continues to date.

The patrollers report hazards or issues to the police that would usually go unreported, such as children left in cars, truancy in town during school hours, suspicious behaviour and they also relay feedback from retail outlets in relation to their concerns.

Dorothy Pollard, Gig Green and Ed Pollard keep The Hub ticking along.

I have been inundated with positive comments about our patrol volunteers and their presence in our community especially around kiwifruit season which appears to be getting busier with newcomers to Te Puke.

Our volunteers are a keen and selfless group of people who are always keen to help out, especially when it comes to prevention of crime and promoting reassurance.

Like most of our community organisations, the hub requires funding for operating/rental costs and is receptive to any suggestions for funding applications.

The hub premises are available to non-profit community organisations for regular meetings but must be booked.

If you are interested in becoming a hub volunteer, whether you wish to patrol our community or be the hub receptionist - be it an hour or more on a Monday, Wednesday or Friday - we are always interested in new applicants.

All that is required is vetting check through the police and an open mind. This is an opportunity to give back to your community and be a part of a positive team.

Any inquires about the Te Puke Community Hub can be directed to Ed or Dorothy Pollard or Constable Tawhai Schuster, phone 573-8028.