Eastern Courier, Friday, 18 July 2008

A drive to reduce crime in the area is why two women believe being part of a Neighbourhood Support Group is the answer.

In an effort to get others involved, a Neighbourhood Support meeting is being held for the public on Tuesday at 7pm at the Willowbank School Hall.

Neighbourhood Support Howick and Pakuranga chairwoman Shona Scandrett and street coordinator Raewyn Francis hope neighbours will rally together and set up their own groups.

Representatives from the local services, such as the police, Fire Service, Civil Defence and Manukau Beautification Trust will discuss their roles and the help offered to the support groups.

Neighbourhood Support coordinators will help link streets to one another.

Safety, security and forming friendships is part of Neighbourhood Support groups, Ms Scandrett says.

It makes you aware of what’s happening in the area and is part of crime prevention, she says.

"If there is a burglary in the street a neighbour can call the street coordinator who will inform the others," she says.

"When we were kids we always knew the neighbours on our street," Ms Francis says. She says it’s about "creating a community that supports one another", a "positive side of getting to know your neighbours".

Neighbourhood Support consists of voluntary groups, within a network linked to the police.

Groups receive Neighbourhood Support street signs and stickers, and information regarding details on any local criminal activity.

For more information visit www.nsupport.co.nz