While some of us wrap up for the day, tuck into tea or take kids to and from after school activities, some of the community are keeping an eye out on things – darting in and out of dark alleys, carparks, public spaces and premises likely to attract anti-social behaviour.
From mums to business owners – community patrols consist of committed local residents from all different walks of life, who volunteer their own time to monitor and deter crime in their neighbourhood.
Community Patrols of New Zealand work alongside local authorities to help make communities safer by patrolling specific areas advised by police and community feedback, reporting suspicious activity and supporting local businesses.
Epsom Community Patrollers, Rod Gabb and Alan Wallath briefing in board chair Kendyl Smith.
Albert-Eden Local Board chair Kendyl Smith was invited to ride-along with Epsom Community Patrols on a Thursday evening shift. While some might expect an action-packed Police 10 Seven episode, a typical patrol night is more about deterrence and providing reassurance and is welcomed by local business.
Board chair Smith is grateful for community patrols across the area, including Mt Albert, Waterview and Point Chevalier.
“It was great to see what they do and how they engage with people within the community. We hugely appreciate the time and effort our patrollers put in,” she says.
Melville Park by night with patrollers and board chair Kendyl Smith.
“Retailers and restaurants operating late were happy to see the patrollers and there was a sense of community and a warm collegial vibe between staff and patrollers," says chair Smith.
One liquor store owner was hugely thankful for the Epsom Community Patrol. He explained since the patrol interrupted an attempted theft at his store, there hasn’t been activity for months. Prior to this, thefts were happening weekly, sometimes more.
Community patrollers keep an eye out for Manukau Road businesses.
Founder and lead of Epsom Community Patrol, Rod Gabb, follows in his father’s footsteps as a community patroller.
Gabb has a passion for connecting with local businesses and partnering with the local board and other funders.
“We couldn’t do this without the help of Albert-Eden Local Board. The $1375 we’ve received from the board has been tremendous and has gone towards vehicle running costs, training, and uniforms,” he says.
“Some business owners are fed up with the break-ins and unpleasant behaviour affecting staff and customers, so they’ve converted from being survivors to surveillants.
“We talk to the police every week and they send us intel about where and when suspicious or criminal activity has occurred so we can follow up and keep an eye on things," says Gabb.
In less than 12 months, Epsom Community Patrol has recruited a total of 25 volunteers who put in one to two shifts, each being a couple hours a week.
Albert-Eden Local Board chair Kendyl Smith out with Epsom patrollers for a look around Epsom Central
Maurice Brown who leads Mount Albert & Point Chevalier Community Patrol has been volunteering for nearly 10 years.
“I really enjoy meeting and interacting with people and getting the chance to work with other cultures across the areas we patrol,” says Brown.
"Funding from Albert-Eden Local Board has been incredibly helpful and went towards uniforms for our new volunteers, our car registration and insurance”.
“We have 22 volunteers in total who cover Mount Albert, Point Chevalier, Waterview and Avondale, and we co-share the Blockhouse Bay area with Mt Roskill patrol. Patrollers in Point Chevalier take on four to five nights a week between 14 of them. Many of them were recruited at a community meeting with the police liaison,” he says.
To volunteer for your local community patrol, visit: cpnz.org.nz
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