Importance of vehicle patrols to community safety

25 June 2009 Media Statement

New “crime watch” vehicle symbolises importance of vehicle patrols to community safety

The charitable donation of a new “crime watch” vehicle in Papanui symbolises the vital role vehicle patrols play in enhancing community safety, say Labour Leader Phil Goff and Waimakariri MP and law and order spokesperson Clayton Cosgrove.

Phil Goff and Clayton Cosgrove were special guests this morning at Papanui Police Station for the handing over of the new vehicle to the Papanui Crime Watch Group by First Direct Taxis director Pam Jackman.

Congratulating Pam Jackman, First Direct Taxis and Papanui Crime Watch chair John Burke, Phil Goff said the importance of community patrols made it even more incomprehensible that Government-ordered cuts of $21 million to police resources would see 300-plus vehicles disappear from the police fleet.

“This community understands the value of a law and order presence, whether officially through the police or voluntarily through organisations like this one, on our streets. Removing 300 police vehicles --- or 10 percent of the fleet – will inevitably diminish this presence, and make our communities feel less safe.”

Clayton Cosgrove, who campaigned successfully during the Labour Government for a second police vehicle in Oxford and more police resources in Papanui, paid tribute to Papanui Crime Watch and to the charitable support provided from a legacy set up by Pam Jackman and her late husband. The legacy has provided $50,000 over the past five years.

“The work of the Crime Watch Group is legendary in Papanui,” Clayton Cosgrove said. “Patrols around the Waimakariri River have reduced the number of burnt-out stolen cars to almost zero, and patrols have eliminated fires around schools and public places on Guy Fawkes night and in school holidays for the past two years.

“The group also enlists help from residents in establishing facts around home burglaries, and it has about 80 volunteers who can turn out at short notice to help police reduce crime and crashes in the district.”

Clayton Cosgrove, who helped raise funds for sign-writing the car, said he agreed with Senior Sergeant Roy Appleby that the group’s work with police in reducing crime and victimisation was “a great example of ‘Safer Communities together’.”

ENDS