The key to a safe neighbourhood is a strong sense of community. That's what Ohinemutu resident Alex Wilson said about why his neighbourhood is one of the least burgled suburbs in Rotorua.
There has been a drop in burglaries in the city this year from 861 to 820 but while the overall trend is on the decline, two suburbs have experienced an increase in break-ins. There were 90 burglaries in Western Heights in 2012 but 127 in 2013 up to December 22. Mangakakahi also increased, from 48 to 70. There were drops in Owhata from 81 to 58 and Glenholme, from 54 to 39.
The least burgled suburbs were Ohinemutu, 2, Tihiotonga 3, Ngapuna, 4 and Lynmore, 5.
"All the families here are old families and have been here for a hundred odd years," said Alex Wilson, who has lived in Ohinemutu for all his 80 years.
"Everyone looks after everyone. If they see something strange going on they intervene. My house is never locked. I've been around the world but home is home and that's how it is for everyone here. [Thieves] know if they take anything we will sort it out."