Even more of the Whanganui District will be under the watchful eye of community patrols thanks to generous donations that have secured them a second vehicle.
Sixty volunteers act as the eyes and ears of the Police in Whanganui patrolling in pairs to report suspicious activity. To date they have done so five nights a week from Wednesday to Sunday with the help of one vehicle.
Central District representative for the community patrols Warwick Laws says that the group are keen to extend the service they provide into Waverley and other areas, but it has been virtually impossible to provide any effective level of support with such limited transport.
The Powerco Wanganui Trust, however, have now stepped up to the plate with a $10,000 donation towards a new car with PSIS Bank adding another $4,000.
"That coupled with other funds from the District Council who are our main benefactors has enabled us to purchase a really good second vehicle," said Mr Laws. "We were helped greatly by sponsors Wanganui Toyota who heavily discounted the car, provide us with free repairs and servicing, and subsidise our fuel costs.
"We wouldn't survive without the help and support we receive from the community. Their generosity in providing us with a newer and more reliable vehicle will give us greater flexibility, and allow us to stretch further afield to places like Waverley and Marton."
Area Commander for Whanganui Police Duncan MacLeod said: "The additional vehicle will assist Police and the community by providing greater opportunities and coverage as eyes and ears to disrupt criminal activity. I am grateful to the volunteers and the wider community for the continual support of this initiative."