Clive community rallies to fight crime

Support: Andrew Clibborn, spokesman for Clive's Eyes Security project team, with members Michael Ward (left), Paul Heaps, Marianne Trebes, Kate Hinton. Photo/Duncan Brown.

The Clive community has rallied together to put an end to the recent spike in burglaries.

The Clive's Eyes Security Camera Action Group headed by Andrew Clibborn was formed in August to make public cameras around the town a reality.

"We are hoping to have two cameras up and running by Christmas and then we are looking to roll out more cameras in the coming months as we get more funding," Mr Clibborn said.

Resident and committee member Marianne Trebes had lived in Clive for 12 years without a single burglary but was hit with two in one month earlier this year.

"I never even had my garden gnome pinched until all of sudden burglaries have gone from nothing to absolute ludicrous."

She said her next-door neighbour had also been burgled twice and it became clear that almost daily different people were reporting things missing.

Ms Trebes had wanted to start something that would combat the crime but still reeling from the effects of her burglaries approached other members of the community.

"Within a week Andrew mustered up Civil Defence, police and the community and held a meeting at the Clive Rugby Rooms to start up an action group for security cameras."

Mr Clibborn said even though they cannot put a camera on every street, they aimed to create an envelope around Clive.

"This is a huge community project and so far we have had no knockers. Everyone seems to be really behind it."

At this stage 29 local businesses have jumped on board and given funding towards the instalment of cameras.

Ms Trebes was overwhelmed with the support.

"I have just been jumping on my bike and knocking on doors and so far there has been a 98 per cent hit rate. Everyone is forthcoming and are giving a great contribution."

Rod Ernshaw, the owner of BP in Clive, has lived and worked in the area for 30 years and is right behind the project.

"We want to help the community out. It is a good thing when we look out for one another and work to solve problems together."

Duncan Powell, the owner of Powell Engineering, has been in the area for 25 years and is also supporting the instalment of cameras.

"I just want to improve the security throughout the town as I am concerned about the safety of the school. Vandalism is already an issue and could get a lot worse."

Heretaunga ward councillors Rod Heaps and Ann Redstone are also right behind the initiative.

Mr Heaps said he gives full support if the community are willing to put the work in and tick all the boxes.

"I hope we can fine tune and help organise the signage and positions of the cameras with where they can and can't go."

Ms Redstone believed the public cameras would provide residents with security and confidence.

"One of my main focuses as a councillor is safer communities and I applaud this group of people who have put many hours of their personal time towards investigating the possibility of security cameras for Clive."

To donate to the trust send an email to cliveseyes@gmail.com for details.