Press Release: Neighbourhood Support Auckland

Vigilantism is not the answer to crime when help is just over the fence

It is disappointing that many people don’t seem to realise that help in crime prevention and the fear of crime is usually just over the fence. “New Zealanders are very welcoming people and always ready to help others” say Kevin Hicks, chairperson of Neighbourhood Support Auckland. He encourages neighbours to get to know each other and one of the best ways is to form a Neighbourhood Support Group in your area. “I also support police sanctioned community patrols, which can work well with local neighbourhood support groups” says Kevin.” They are trained to assist police and take the correct safety precautions. Many of our members belong to both community patrols and Neighbourhood Support.”

“We work closely with Police and one thing I must emphasise is you can have total confidence in reporting crime to police.” Kevin says. “In Auckland it’s so easy because you call 111 if a crime is in progress. You can report a crime 24/7 over the phone on 302 6400 without having to fill out forms or visit a police station. After you have done that, if you want to follow it up further your local community constable”

Neighbourhood support groups help each other with crime, tagging, bullying and intimidation and a myriad of other neighbourhood safety issues. If you would like to know more about setting up a neighbourhood support group or would like to help us out with our numerous crime fighting initiatives in Auckland phone 09 815 9506, email Auckland@neighbourhoodsupprt.com or see our website www.neighbourhoodsupport.com/auckland or contact your local community constable by phoning 302 6400.

Neighbourhood Support is an organisation which represents the “silent majority” who support the police and the work they do. They work closely with community police to reduce crime and the fear of crime by setting up inclusive neighbourhood support groups where all people are welcome and are encouraged to get to know and support their neighbours. By doing this we come to learn that everyone shares the same concerns about crime and that together we can make a difference to each other’s lives.

Kevin Hicks

ENDS

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