Media Release and Invitation
26 November 2007

Crime Watch groups working together for a safer Manukau

Crime watch groups from across the city have agreed to work together in the fight against crime with the formation of the Manukau District Crime Watch Patrol Trust.

The new trust brings together five patrols from Botany, Flat Bush, Howick, Manurewa and Papatoetoe. New trustees have been appointed to focus on community safety initiatives in Manukau.

Manukau City Council will provide funding of $120,000 per year and the Ministry of Justice more than $54,000 per year, for the next three years. The group plans to apply to other government and non-government agencies for more funding.

Safe City Portfolio Leader Councillor Dick Quax is pleased the patrols have come together under the umbrella of the trust:

“Our crime watch volunteers have worked tirelessly over the last few years patrolling our streets, town centres, schools and parks, all with the aim of making Manukau a safer place to live. They are the eyes and ears of our community.

“Working together in this new way means they can share ideas and resources, develop leadership and have greater access to funding.”

The new trustees are: Robert Fowler representing Howick/Pakuranga, Alan Simpson from Botany, Brian Rouse from Flat Bush, Innes Clarke from Papatoetoe and Manurewa’s Steve Wilson.

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Notes to editor:

The Manukau District Crime Watch Patrol will deliver crime prevention services in Manukau City, patrolling the streets in vehicles on rostered shifts. Using a non-confrontational approach, they observe and report crime and anti-social behaviour to the Police. They will provide educational programmes to homeowners, as well as advise them of local burglary and vehicle crime trends.

ENDS

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