When the rubber hits the road

The community watch group, which comes under the umbrella of Community Patrols New Zealand,
has been patrolling the streets of Coastal Burwood for the last 27 years to provide a sense of safety
and deter crime in the area.

Burwood Pegasus Community Watch president, Diane Dixey, who has been with the group for 25
years said the generosity of local organisations has meant they can continue keeping the community
safe.

“We have over 30 volunteers who are rostered to patrol a large area day and night and we cover a
lot of miles so having a new vehicle and ongoing support has been wonderful,” says Diane. “We
average around 50kms on each patrol and clock up around 450 patrols over a 12 month period.”

Set up in 1995, the group works closely with NZ Police, providing an extra pair of eyes and ears, and
reporting any suspicious activity requiring their attention. “We patrol residential, business and
industrial areas, parks, schools, shopping areas, rest homes, hospital, sports clubs and pools to deter
or identify criminal activity. We’re always on the lookout for stolen vehicles or stolen property and
for missing persons,” continues Diane.

The community watch group recently expanded its patrol area to include one of Rayonier Matariki
Forests after a rise in reports of arson.

Rayonier Matariki Forests general manager of operations, Mark Grover, says having regular patrols
through the forest has been a game changer.

“There has been a history of arson attempts in Bottle Lake Forest area and since this group started
including the forest in their patrols arson attempts have dropped off significantly,” says Mark.
“But it’s not only looking for signs of fire that the watch group have assisted with. They have also
come across an injured cyclist and located lost children and dogs. We’re very thankful for their
watchful eye.”

Photo Caption: RMF general manager of operations, Mark Grover with Burwood Pegasus Community Watch president, Diane Dixey and the group’s new all-wheel drive patrol vehicle.