Nelson Community Patrol members David and Robin Hall with the patrol's car. Photo: Jonty Dine.

Patrol in need of new car

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While most of us are tucked up in bed sleeping soundly, Nelson’s eyes and ears are patrolling the streets.

For more than a quarter of a century, the Nelson Community Patrol, formed by a team of concerned citizens to help protect people and reduce crime, has been watching over the city.

Patrol member Robin Hall says that after numerous patrols, the group’s current car is a little worse for wear.

The patrol is trying to raise $20,000 to replace their “tired” patrol car in order to continue their work.

Robin says, while trying to find the funds, she realized how few people knew of their work.

A typical patrol will start with a meeting with Police at 9.45pm, the volunteers often won’t finish a patrol until 3am.

Robin says a usual patrol will involve checking particular areas for antisocial behavior, places that tend go under the police radar.

“If we see something that’s not right, we have a police radio and we will put in an immediate call to comms.”

However, the patrol are sure not to put themselves in any compromising situations.

“Our safety is our first concern, we rarely get out of the car unless we are asked to.”

Robin says she and her husband are believers in a strong community and both care deeply about people which prompted them to join.

“We had some time when we retired to give back to the community.”

Any member of the public wishing to contribute towards the purchase of the car or interested in joining the patrol can do so at the Nelson Police Station.

Robin says not many citizens are aware of their work. She says she wants locals to consider the need for the patrol.

“Do you feel safer in the night knowing that we are out there?”