Air horn alarms sound the charge against crime in Kaitaia

Hunting and Fishing in Kaitaia was down to one air horn yesterday, but John Hunter was ordering more.

Three short blasts of an air horn could become the signal Kaitaia residents use to alert others to something criminal in their neighbourhood.

The new crimefighting method is the brainchild of local man Matt Hobman and was sparked after a neighbour expressed concern about her grandmother.

Mr Hobman suggested the young woman get her nana an air horn, like the type used to start sporting events, and if she had any concerns she should give three blasts with it.

"I told her that if I heard it I'd be around there in a flash," Mr Hobman said.

And now the idea has blasted off. Police are aware of the community initiative but say phoning 111 was always preferable when anyone felt unsafe or in an emergency.

Hunting and Fishing in Kaitaia has discounted the horns, from $40 to $22, and it seems their popularity has meant it's hard to keep up with demand.

On Friday John Hunter said an order of 50 air horns had arrived and he was awaiting 30 more, while people in Kaikohe and Kerikeri were keen to get them too.

On Thursday there will be a community meeting in the carpark outside Hunting and Fishing Kaitaia at 5pm to help those keen on using the air horns and to also develop a protocol.

Mr Hunter said ultimately the air horns are about deterrence and peace of mind.

"Hopefully nobody will have to use them because the potential criminals know that this will draw attention to them."

Mr Hobman, who would run the meeting, said it was about the community taking back the streets.

"If you see someone who's up to no good then three blasts of the horn will alert the neighbours, who will look out for someone running or getting away. It will make the thief's presence known, and if they are on foot then maybe they can be tracked back to their home. Then phone the police."

It was nothing to do with vigilantism, he said, but about neighbours looking out for each other, as they once did. It was also about helping the police.

The idea had taken on a life of its own, and would hopefully reduce crime and help make a lot of people feel safer in their own homes.
"All it needs is for lots of good people to take this passive aggressive approach to fixing our problems," Mr Hobman said.