Support groups fight crime

Press, 23 December 1985, Page 16

Support groups fight crime

Making it happen

The temptation of free firewood was too much for a Papanui man last winter. Seeing a felled tree lying inside someone’s property, he efficiently rremoved it in trailer.

Imagine his surprise when someone phoned saying he had been spotted, but that if he returned the wood immediately, nothing more would be said.

A neighbour who had recently joined a neighbourhood support group had seen the thief in action and had been able to trace his phone number. Needless to say, the man sheepishly returned the stolen goods. Neighbourhood support groups are busting out all over in Christchurch — and with them come a growing number of success stories of crime prevention or arrest. Papanui is particularly well covered, with most of the 850 or so houses included.

New Zealand’s first neighbourhood support group was started in St Mary’s Bay, Auckland, after a vicious, random attack on a woman alone in her flat.

Appalled that neighbours had not responded to the victim’s screams, a group of women called on their community to work together to prevent such a thing happening again.

The response was overwhelming. The group has since become a model for other communities throughout the country. Crime rates have dropped, sometimes significantly, where groups have been set up. In Christchurch, as in auckland and elsewhere, most groups are started by women. In Papanui, the initiative was taken by two busy working mothers, Linda Sutherland and Barbara Harwood, both nurses. The Papanui community had already . banded together to protest against the extension of a bus route in their area. Around the same time the St Mary’s Bay group was given a lot of publicity, and that, together

with a few crimes in the area, led to a public meeting being held. Everyone was; surprised at the turnout; about one in every five houses was represented. Some 70 people offered to work as co-ordi-nators, and groups, each covering about eight houses, were set up. Since then the support groups have gone from strength to strength. A newsletter, written by Linda, is printed free of charge by the Christchurch City Council and distributed by volunteers to every house in the area. Self-defence courses for young girls, adult women and elderly women have been held.

A community lunch and an evening meeting on home security drew an enthusiastic response. Now a big fun day is being planned, for February.

“It’s been a tremendous amount of hard work, but I feel it’s very worth while. People feel safer. They also know they can ring a neighbour if necessary, and not feel they’re imposing,” says Linda.

Inspector Peter Brady, Community Relations Coordinator at Police HeadSs is pleased at the hurch response to neighbourhood support. “We have a large number of groups here now. The concept is taking hold and growing. And it’s working:

“We’ve made a few catches as a result of communities taking some responsibility for their own security, and co-operating with the police.”

Rural stress With the economic pinch tightening its grip, families throughout New Zealand are under growing stress — and perhaps nowhere is the problem more acute than in rural communities.

Low yields, huge, highinterest loans, and a bleak future all take their toll of farming famlies. Without the ready resources of the

cities, relief isn’t always easy to find. Concerned at the growing number of stories of families in distress, the Women’s Division of Federated Farmers is setting up rural support groups throughout Canterbury. In conjunction with the Camplfell Centre, the Presbyterian Support Services counselling body, the women recently held a workshop in Riccarton to learn how to communicate, and listen to others more constructively. Now the 19 people who attended the workshop — five of them men — are setting up support groups in the branch’s areas. They aim to give emotional or practical help to anyone needing it, farming families or not.

Dorothy Oakley, president of the Canterbury Women’s Division, says the groups are trying to establish where the need is, what the need is, and how to help.

“In some cases someone may need a sympathetic phone call, but others may need more practical help, such as a talk with a psychologist, or advice on budgeting or their children’s schooling,” she says. Already the Akaroa group is thriving, with wide-rang-ing community support and enthusiasm, she says. “It’s important people know they can come to us, a .grassroots group, for help.” Any rural people interested in the scheme, either to help or be helped, can phone Dorothy, at Kirwee 742; Betty Tyson, at Kaiapoi 8220; or Oliver Grigg, at Culverden 8035.

Chilren’s cinema Most parents worry these days about their children’s safety when left in a cinema — but patrons of the Fernland Lounge and Cinema need have no qualms. Proprietors Colin and Isla Lewis pride themselves on running a unique family film service. Children’s films are carefully chosen for their “wholesomeness” as well as entertainment value and a watchful eye is kept on all patrons.

A visit to Fernland Cinema, above Atlantis Market in Cathedral Square, is a real experience. The former owner went to great lengths to recreate his beloved West Coast on the premises. Rocks, ferns, waterfalls, driftwood, sliced . tree trunks, birds’ nests, artificial grass and even a pair of stuffed fawns give a setting which kids marvel at.

The usual array of sweets is available, but not ice cream or chewing gum. Fernland Lounge and Cinema is also available for private screenings, at which afternoon tea or supper, prepared by Isla, is provided if wanted.

During the school holidays, from Monday, January 20 until Saturday, February 1, the much-loved children’s film “International Velvet” will be screened. The film will have two daily screenings, one at 11 a.m. and one at 2 p.m. Cartoons will be shown before the main feature. Cost is $3 for adults and ?1.50 for children. For more information phone 793-668, or take the lift to the second floor above Atlantis Market Compiled by Glenys Walker This is the last "Making It Happen” until January 27. Any contributions should be addressed to Glenys Walker, Making It Happen, Home and People Page, The Press, R.O. Box 1005, Christchurch; Copy should reach this, office one week before publication date. ’