Reporoa takes stand
Community unites against rural crime and ram raids
Reporoa is “taking a stand” to keep thieves and criminals out of its community. The small township has been targeted by ram raids and rural crime. Its residents have rallied after being “rocked” by a spate of crime and raised $40,000 for a new vehicle for the Reporoa Community Patrol, unveiled on Friday last week.
Rotorua MP Todd McClay praised the fundraising effort but he knew Reporoa and many other rural areas in his electorate were feeling “embattled” and the police needed more resources so people could feel safe.
The Reporoa Community Patrol started about three years ago and chairman Bruce Vermeulen says “frankly, we've had a guts full, and crime is on the increase”.
He wanted to acknowledge patrol members who worked over the past 18 months to raise the money and members of the community who donated.
“The local community has always been supportive of something they feel is worthwhile. It's been fantastic.”
The business owner and ambulance officer says the most recent ram raid was at the Farm Source Store a few weeks ago and there had been vandalism and on-farm thefts. Trailers, motorbikes and tools had been stolen from properties and “the whole invasion thing” was upsetting.
According to Bruce, the dairy and pub were also ram-raided.
“Because we're a farming community and don't necessarily live right next door to our neighbours we still feel their pain when people get robbed or vandalised or whatever.”
It was not uncommon for the patrol to cover 1400km a month, being on duty in the day and at night.
Reporoa Community Patrol secretary and training officer Keren Leslie says it was a small but passionate team of farmers, engineers, horticulturists and business owners.
“We volunteer our energy and time to patrol our area, to be the ‘eyes and ears' for the police.
“We have had a period of ram raids in our local area lately, which has rocked our community, and we hope that our new patrol car helps in the fight against crime. “We are there to fill the gaps, keep visible, to hopefully help prevent burglary, domestic violence, drink-driving or even assisting at crash sites with traffic control.”
Area response manager for Taupō and Tūrangi senior sergeant Andy Livingstone says recognition needs to be given to the Reporoa Community Patrol for all its hard work.
“We always appreciate the extra eyes and ears that our patrollers provide,” he says. “Community patrollers reflect the wider care and commitment our community has to look after each other.”
He says voluntary commitment in a busy world is a big ask.
“A big thanks to the team at Reporoa and well done on your new machine.”
Federated Farmers Rotorua/ Taupō provincial president Colin Guyton says he had been a victim of thieves on several occasions.
“From my experience, one of the most sought-after commodities is fuel. I’ve had quite a lot of fuel stolen over the years and as a result of that while they are in there they take whatever else they can find.”
His farm was in the Reporoa catchment and was at least a 30-minute drive away from police assistance.
“In reality, our best line of attack is prevention.”
He had put an alarm on his fuel tank, which had deterred thieves.
Colin says the Reporoa Community Patrol should be congratulated for its work and dedication.
“What these guys are doing is probably going to push crime out of our area. Unfortunately, some other place is going to cop it but this is what our community has decided to do to try to help itself. It’s brilliant.”
Colin says it is important people report crimes to the police no matter how trivial.
“Quite often the reporting of a suspicious vehicle or minor crime leads to the solving of a major one.”
Fonterra Bay of Plenty regional head Lisa Payne says community crime was always disappointing and recent burglaries at its Farm Source Reporoa Store were no exception.
“Fonterra and the Farm Source Team are really grateful for the extra support the Reporoa Community Patrol has provided following the break-ins.
“We have also donated to the patrol, through our community programme — Hapori, and are really proud to support their efforts.”
MP Todd McClay says the police were doing the best job they could but, in his view, they were understaffed and under-resourced.
“We hear a lot of crime in and around farms and you’ve only got to read social media to see how bad it’s getting for some of them.
“I’ve had many constituents reach out to me who are quite distraught.
“I really feel for people who live in rural areas.
“They pay their tax and they pay their rates . . . they should feel safe in their home and community.”
The police and Minister for Police Chris Hipkins have been approached for comment.