Police support for patrol for Cambridge

Cambridge Police are right behind an initiative to have a community patrol of the town.

The move towards setting up a volunteer patrol, under Community Patrols New Zealand, was mooted by former security guard Tank McGill, following recent publicity over rising crime levels in Cambridge.

McGill met with Cambridge Police Sergeant Graham Grantham who confirmed the police would be supportive of the concept.

McGill said he had had enough of hearing stories and watching first hand some ‘‘stand over tactics being used by some youths in the town’’ and wanted to do something positive.

During the meeting Grantham outlined the cost associated with getting the patrol up and running as well as the process involved.

‘‘It’s going to take about six months and will require the community to fund the initial estimated $35,000 set up cost and then around $5500 running costs per annum,’’ said Grantham.

A public meeting will be required to give organisers a mandate to proceed with calling for volunteers to form the patrol.

He also suggested the management committee should contain people who have fundraising skills.

Grantham said all volunteers would be required to undergo a police check, interview process, and then training.

‘‘Community patrollers are not policemen, nor are they security guards, they are the eyes and ears for the police and as such there are legal and safety requirements which need to be understood by volunteers,’’ said Grantham.

McGill said he wasn’t put off by the task but is appealing to the community for assistance.

Support for the community patrols has come from the Neighbourhood Support area coordinator Judi Smythe.

‘‘In principle we support the idea and am pleased the police are backing the idea. We are now looking at a way we can be of assistance in getting it operational.’’

Meanwhile burglaries in Cambridge continue with the latest business being targeted the Alpino Cucina e Vino on Victoria St along with rural properties.