The 111 Files: Keeping neighbourhoods safe

Rotorua co-ordinator for Neighbourhood Support Bruce Quedley. Photo / Supplied

I mentioned a few weeks ago that the police are only able to do the job we do because of the support we receive from our community, in particular our agency partners. This week I want to introduce you to another one, Bruce Quedley, the Rotorua co-ordinator for Neighbourhood Support.

Bruce has been in the role since April 2012, however the Rotorua community has been well served by a number of Neighbourhood Support co-coordinators and committee members over the years. In fact, Rotorua Neighbourhood Support is held up as one of the best organised and most effective in New Zealand.

Bruce's main role as co-co-ordinator is helping prevent crime and educating the community on what they can do to keep themselves safe; and what to do when they see someone acting suspiciously or a crime occurring.

This is largely achieved through the establishing Neighbourhood Support Groups (NSG) in Rotorua neighbourhoods and communities.

About 37 per cent of all of the households in Rotorua's suburbs are part of a Neighbourhood Support Group. The purpose of these groups is to help neighbours connect with one another and to help them work together to make a safer community, starting with their own neighbourhood. As a minimum, groups maintain telephone contact lists and encourage a healthy awareness of the importance of crime prevention. However some groups do much more, using the NSG network to grow relationships in the neighbourhood by organising street barbecues and other social events.

Bruce is based in the Rotorua Police Station. He finds this enormously helpful in his role, as he can be regularly briefed on presenting crime trends and other matters of interest to the NSG network.

Bruce is presently working toward increasing the network through Rotorua businesses. The Neighbourhood Support "E-Crime" report is distributed by email and is a great tool for helping keep people up to date on crime prevention matters.

So how can you help Bruce in his role?

Firstly, you can ensure you are part of an active Neighbourhood Support Group. Analysis of crime statistics consistently shows there is less crime in areas where a NSG are operating. If you are already a part of a NSG, Bruce asks that you keep your contact details up to date with your group and the Neighbourhood Support office. In the case of a large scale emergency, those details could be crucial in getting you help.

Finally, if you see something suspicious, do something.

Call the police and report it immediately on 111.

If you are not already part of a group, but would like to join one, please contact Bruce Quedley on (07) 349 9470.