A team of volunteers helping keep an eye on some of Tauranga’s busiest southern suburbs needs more people to join them.
The Tauranga South Community Patrol acts as an “eyes and ears” role for police, with volunteers regularly travelling a 70km circuit through Greerton CBD, Gate Pā, Merivale, Welcome Bay, Maungatapu, Ohauiti, Pyes Pā and the Lakes business area to keep watch.
Any suspicious activity and other concerns are reported to police, providing a valuable crime-prevention presence day and night.
Based in Greerton, Tauranga South Community Patrol has about 25 active patrollers with about 30 volunteers, including people who help with fundraising and other activities.
Chair Maureen Kathan said more volunteers are needed. “We are very proud of our volunteers, who give up many hours of their time to not only patrol day and night but also support other fundraising activities as well as events in the local area,” she said.
Kathan said volunteering with the patrol is a practical way to contribute to the safety and wellbeing of the local community.
“We welcome new members, and the ideal candidate would be between the ages of 18 and 70.”
New volunteers, after being vetted, complete training online and via local sessions, often run by police.
During their first three months, new recruits go out on patrol with two experienced patrollers, gradually learning the protocols and skills needed to become a full patroller.
“It is a rewarding and sometimes exciting opportunity to serve the community,” Kathan said.
The patrol has a dedicated community patrol vehicle – a 2020 MG ZS Excite – which was funded through community and business support.
To join Tauranga South Community Patrol or find out how to support its work, phone 0220 974 681 during business hours or visit: tscp.org.nz.
For those living outside the Tauranga South patrol area, three fellow patrol groups are based around the city at Pāpāmoa, Mount Maunganui and Tauranga North (previously Bethlehem Community Patrol). To find more about these patrols, visit: cpnz.org.nz.