People looking out for each other is the idea behind an expansion of community patrols in the southern district.
Community Patrols of New Zealand (CPNZ) Southern District representative Bill Feather wants to support communities to establish patrols, as he helped do in Mosgiel.
He has called for community boards and organisations to identify whether their area required a patrol to help care for its residents and amenities.
New Zealand police were also identifying communities which would benefit from patrols, as they worked in partnership with them, Mr Feather said.
Patrols were non-confrontational volunteer groups, which acted as extra eyes and ears for the police.
CPNZ could help affiliated patrols gain funding, as well as offer mentoring and support.
Not all communities would suit a patrol.
Some might have other networks already in place and Mr Feather did not want to "take over" those groups.
"It's very much the community looking after the community, and for a smaller community, a patrol might not be the ideal vehicle, and Neighbourhood Support may be best for them," he said.
He will meet Southern District Superintendent Bob Burns later this month to discuss what feedback each party received.
