PRIVATE NIGHT PATROLS

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXX, Issue 21553, 26 July 1933, Page 10

PRIVATE NIGHT PATROLS

ESCORTS FOR WOMEN GUARD OVER SLEEPERS [I'KOM Of It OWN CORRESPONDENT] MELBOURNE, July 20 The prevalence of suburban robberies and asSffults on women has led to a strengthening of private patrols in some metropolitan districts in Melbourne. The work has been extended in nt least ono instance to the provision of escorts for women returning home at night. The most notable effort designed to protect life and property exists at Hawthorn. Here a body of unemployed returned soldiers operates under a board of control composed of leading citizens. The chairman is Mr. J. W. George, a former Mayor of Hawthorn. The patrols have their regular beats, and throughout the night keep guard over the sleeping citizens, who pay 6d a week for the service. Shopkeepers are charged Is Gd a week. The activities of this patrol have been extended to the safeguarding of women returning to their homes at night. Any woman belonging to a household which contributes to the cost of the patrol may arrange to be met at tram or train by a patrol and seen safely home. Citizens who go away for holidays may have their homes guarded during their absence. Those services are all freely used, and in recent weeks the demand for them has increased. It is claimed for the Hawthorn patrol that it is not in any way usurping the function of the polico. Mr. George said to-day that it was impossible for police to be on the spot to prevent burglaries and assaults on citizens, but the private patrol was in a position to do so. The patrol actually assisted the polico bv doing what, in existing circumstances, the polico could not bo expected to do. Particular care, he said, had been exercised in the selection of men l'or the private patrol. Every man's character and record were investigated, and only unemployed ex-soldiers of unblemished record were appointed. The service given had been efficient and had given general satisfaction to householders. The patrol gave employment to men who otherwise might have to go on the dole. • An efficient patrol service has also been established at Geclong by the Returned Soldiers' Club. More than 1000 Geelong citizens take advantage of the protection offered. The patrol is confined to the suburbs of Geelong, and has proved to be remarkably successful in the prevention of crime.