The Ōmokoroa Community Policing Group has taken delivery of a brand new vehicle and is encouraging more patrol volunteers to come forward to use it.
The MG ZS from Farmer Autovillage will be fully equipped with a light bar, recording cameras front and rear, a police radio and a personnel safety alarm.
The OCPG Charitable Trust recently made successful applications to both Western Bay of Plenty District Council’s matching fund and The Centre op shop for the purchase. Tall Poppy Real Estate is coming on board to help with running costs.
Community Involvement
The patrol’s fuel bill alone exceeded $2,000 in the last financial year. With striking artwork from GT Signs, MG dealer principal Dave Briscoe says the ZS has been an incredible project.
“This community involvement is a team effort from Farmer Motor Group, MG New Zealand and local contractors. We’re excited and proud to have the opportunity to provide this car. Blair Brookbanks has gone above and beyond to organise the lights and switches. It looks awesome, commands respect, and shows the growth and ethos of Ōmokoroa,” Dave says.
Patrol Trainer Peter Goad is appreciative of the work done by Farmer Autovillage.
“From the moment we arrived, they were immediately on our side, flexible and helpful. Nothing was a problem, including all the electrical work,” says Peter.
Secretary/Treasurer, Bill Jacob says the MG topped a shortlist of 20 new and second-hand vehicles. “It’s been a year in the making. We whittled our list down with visits to car yards and conversations with other dealers. I’m pleased we have a good result to show for years of prudent financial management,” says Bill.
Trust chair Patrick Harrison is thrilled. “With great thanks to the work of our volunteer committee and sponsors, the outcome is better than I could have expected and reflects the spirit of the Ōmokoroa community,” says Pat.
As Community Patrol Coordinator, I’d like to pay tribute to the work of Glenn Whittaker, Carol Dodd, Tony Hawkins and others who built up the Trust over many years – as well as the past support of First National now Tremains, Ōmokoroa Lions Club and Ōmokoroa Automotive.
Patrol Car Operational Cost
The District Council has sponsored the Trust’s operational costs for about 10 years and the Ōmokoroa Community Board has also provided instrumental support.
If you can spare one evening every couple of months as a driver or passenger, it will allow the patrol to grow with the community. A few forms and a couple of two-hour training sessions are required. Doing something about crime is better than complaining about it.
If you want to make a difference, call 027 549 5410 or email matthew@lizardnews.net
