By Hayley Gastmeier
Tracy Kenavan was ecstatic yesterday receiving the keys to a new vehicle for Carterton’s Community Patrol.
She and her mother were for some time the only active members in the group, and she hopes the new car will attract more volunteers.
“Now having a patrol vehicle available, hopefully I can boost numbers.
“A lot of people wanted to help but they didn’t want to use their own car.”
She said patrol members using their own vehicles appeared suspicious to the public and often led to complaints to police.
Ironically Ms Kenavan also works for the police, and said the car would give the patrol, which now has six members, more visibility in the community.
She has been involved with the patrol for nearly 13 years, and is the group’s co-ordinator, treasurer and secretary.
“Me and my mum are night owls.
“We’ll go out at 11pm and we could easily still be patrolling the streets at 2.30 in the morning.”
Sergeant Ian Osland said the group had “reached a milestone” in securing their own car.
“The Community Patrol is an extension to the police, in being an extra set of eyes and ears.
“They provide reassurance and support to the community, and help keep it a safe environment.”
Carterton Mayor John Booth said the vehicle would “revitalise” the group.
“We’ve just had a very small dedicated group who have been using their own vehicles.
“Now we have this new one which is fantastic for Carterton . . . and wonderful for our community to have this oversight keeping an eye on things.”
Mr Booth was “extremely grateful” to the parties involved in purchasing the car, and the sponsors who discounted the purchase price, branded, insured, and warranted it.
“Now hopefully the baddies will leave town.”
