Rotary Support Pukekohe Possums

The Pukekohe Rotary Club has pledged ongoing support for the volunteer community patrol, the Pukekohe Possums. Rotary has also provided over one thousand dollars to enable the Pukekohe Possums to buy a video camera. With a powerful zoom and the ability to also take still photographs the Possums will now be able to provide valuable evidence to the Police of any suspicious behaviour or crime they might see.

The Pukekohe Possums, like the other community patrols in Franklin, are run by volunteers. Support from businesses and individuals in Franklin is a big part of what makes their work possible.

“Our sincere thanks go to Rotary for their continued support of the Pukekohe team. As well as Rotary’s help in meeting operating costs we are thrilled to benefit from the donation of a video camera which will enable patrols to record items of interest for Police scrutiny. Community patrols perform a valuable community service which would be severely compromised without this generous support,” says long time volunteer, Max Morley.
Volunteer patrols are a community-based initiative brought about by a community desire to reduce crime in their area. Patrols act as ‘eyes and ears’, noting down suspicious behaviour and taking note of vandalism. This presence in Franklin helps to reduce the opportunity for crime.

“The Pukekohe Community Patrol is a group of dedicated local volunteers who provide mobile patrols within the Pukekohe Township and surrounding areas. Our focus is on observing and monitoring areas of interest,” says Max.

Community patrols are endorsed by the police – especially if the local patrol is affiliated with Community Patrols New Zealand (CPNZ) like the Pukekohe Possums.
Franklin Safer Community Council support the community patrols within Franklin and would love to hear from anyone who would like to know more or sign up as a volunteer. Call them on (09) 237 1300. You can also find more information on Franklin District Council’s website – www.franklin.govt.nz (click on the Council Services tab and view the Community Patrols page).