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Russian crimefighter, North ShoreNorth Shore Times
He is among a number of people who give their time – sometimes until 4am – to act as the eyes and ears of the North Shore police. The Neighbourhood Support North Shore community patroller helped officers arrest a prolific burglar who was wanted for drugs offences. He noticed the man acting suspiciously, took down his car registration and contacted police who caught the offender. Mr Pantileev has also been first on the scene to a major car accident where he was able to call for help. "As a citizen I'm interested in our streets being safer." Safety is vital for Mr Pantileev after life in Russia. "Here citizens help the police, they're not scared for their lives. We don't have this sort of thing in Russia." Drug abuse, organised crime and police corruption are rife, he says. He moved to New Zealand to study English for his job as a merchant marine and decided to stay after meeting his wife at a language school. He is studying towards his masters in forensic information technology at AUT. He volunteers as a patroller two evenings a month from 8pm until midnight or later. Luckily things have quietened down lately which is likely due to harder economic times, Neighbourhood Support North Shore chairman John Stewart says. But the organisation can always do with more patrollers, he says. Mr Pantileev says patrollers' presence is enough to deter criminals and their role is well known in the community. "Some smile when you're on patrol but often drunk people show different gestures towards us." Mr Pantileev was one of five patrollers to receive a Certificate of Commendation from police at Neighbourhood Support's annual general meeting. Contact the Neighbourhood Support Office at the North Shore Policing Centre on 477-5320 or admin@neighbourhood.org.nz to become a volunteer.
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