Community patrols on the lookout

Community patrollers Peter Cavanagh (Martinborough, left); Cheryl Watson (Masterton); Youth and Community Services area manager Sergeant Ian Osland; Garry Thomas (Featherston). PHOTO: ANDREW BONALLACK

A group described as the "eyes and ears" of police are looking to raise their profile in the communities that they serve.

The four Community Patrol groups in Wairarapa have launched a fundraising campaign, hoping to purchase cars for volunteers to use when on patrol in Masterton, Carterton, Featherston and Martinborough.

Masterton Community Patrol volunteer Cheryl Watson said having designated patrol cars would provide visibility, raise the profile of patrols and provide extra reassurance to the community.

Most volunteers had been using their own cars and paying for the costs associated with this, she said.

"Also, at times members of the public are unsure who we are when we are out and about late at night."

Wairarapa manager of youth and community services Sergeant Ian Osland said the geography of Wairarapa meant it was essential for volunteers to have cars.

"They can be deployed by our district command centre, so they need to have the ability to move quickly."

The volunteers were an "extra set of eyes and ears" in their neighbourhoods, Mr Osland said.

"It can often lead to that extra bit of information - it complements the work we do. They sometimes have the time that we might not have to sit in certain areas."

The volunteers provided an invaluable service, he said.

"Our roads have been that much safer with the identification of drunk drivers, buildings have been saved from fire, missing persons have been located, burglars have been apprehended after being seen decamping from scenes, and more recently key information was provided that contributed to help solve a murder."

The Featherston patrol had a car for volunteers to use, but this vehicle was now reaching the end of its viability.

The fundraiser has secured the backing of AMI Insurance, who will be covering insurance costs. Anyone who wishes to make a donation, or provide services or support towards running and maintenance, can contact Mr Osland on 06 3700338 or email ian.osland@police.govt.nz