Nighttime patrollers need more volunteers
There’s not much that escapes the attention of Queenstown’s vigilant, volunteer Community Patrollers when party town hits full swing.
Patrol chairperson Gary Lonsdale is on the hunt for more volunteers with just enough nighttime activity for the 12-strong team to get around at present.
“We really need 20 and it’s only for about four hours on a Friday and Saturday night, from 8pm to 12 midnight,” Gary says. Anyone over 18 can volunteer and while it’s mostly retirees on board just now, they have had a young would-be police officer as part of the local crew. He says it’s the perfect option for someone considering a career in the Police. “We have a couple of new volunteers pending but it’s finding people with the time. A lot of people work two jobs here,” Gary says.
The team has its own clearly marked vehicle, even a defibrillator on board, and as well as patrolling the downtown area, volunteers often make their way out to subdivisions like Lake Hayes Estate at night to check that nothing’s amiss.
The Police are never far behind – a Police radio fitted to the vehicle. “We’re the eyes and ears of the Police. They always know where we are,” Gary says.
Patrollers never intervene, instead calling for Police to come when an emergency, criminal activity or disorder arises. They’ve saved many a young person who’s overindulged from falling victim to those with ill intent, ensuring they get home safely.
There have been warnings about partygoers walking home on the road verge late at night beyond Frankton in dark clothing, valuable snowboards clearly visible in vehicles with windows open secured and their quick action has often resulted in arrests, Gary says.
“A car outside the Police Station around 10pm one night was so full of smoke. People were seen approaching it. It was reported to the Police and after the car was searched drugs were allegedly found, resulting in a court appearance,” he says.
Patrollers also searched endlessly after finding a pile of clothing on Earnslaw Wharf late one winter night. “Someone reported that a person had jumped in the lake and after much searching a card was found in the clothing,” Gary says. “On visiting an address, the person of interest
was found to be home. They must’ve been really cold as they had no clothes and it was winter, but a great end result.”
The main problem they see is intoxication and Gary urges young people out on the town to always ensure a non-drinker is in charge, stick to their group and not become separated.
They also volunteer as an extra presence at local events like the Queenstown Marathon.
Patrollers are all carefully vetted and must have a clean Police record.
Anyone interested please email: queenstown@cpnz.org.nz
or phone Gary on 0272247977 for more information.
