The Papamoa community is just that bit safer. That's thanks to its community patrol, a car yard and a substantial benefactor.

The car yard, Ebbett Holden and the Legacy Trust have provided the patrol with a new a new car, and all the extras required by a patrol vehicle and the people who man it.

The Community Patrol, which has a strong working relationship with the Papamoa police, make about 30 patrols per month around the seaside suburb.

Police are provided with detailed reports from each patrol for 'intelligence collation” purposes. Patrols are active both day and night, at times decided by each rostered two-person crew.

'The patrol has been operating for 19 years,” says patrol secretary Tina Kemp, 'assisting Papamoa police with additional eyes and ears in the detection of crime in our suburb.”

Ebbett Holden donated the patrol vehicle and Legacy Trust $6000 for all of the added extras needed by the crews. This includes flashing lights, radio and blue tooth connectivity, an updated GPS system, hand-held spotlights, a mounted video camera, updating the training and operations manual and insurance. High visibility jackets will also be purchased.

Legacy funeral director, Annie Innes, says the trust recognises these patrol members give their own time and take on board the responsibility of helping the police strive to achieve security and the safety of families and property in the Papamoa community.

'It's a great way to give back to the community,” says Annie.