Steps to create a rural neighbourhood support group north of Milton are under way, with a meeting in the town tonight.
Senior Constable Steve Griffiths, of Milton, said the town had small support groups many years ago, under the neighbourhood watch banner, but they had faded away.
The new rural group would be centred on the Milton-Waihola Highway-North Branch Rd-Forsyth Rd intersection, he said.
The meeting would be held in the Milton fire brigade hall, Eden St, at 7pm tonight and would focus on the rural area north of Helensbrook. Another meeting would be held in a few weeks to form an urban group.
Plans to set up neighbourhood support groups across South Otago were well under way, with meetings held in several townships since December last year.
Otago Neighbourhood Support regional manager Sarah Hexamer said she was working with police and residents to establish neighbourhood support groups in South Otago. Last month, Milton police and Ms Hexamer met Waihola residents and were well received.
''Everyone we spoke to was really enthusiastic - one of the best proactive communities I've come across,'' Ms Hexamer said.
Neighbourhood support works by dividing towns into areas, each of which nominates a contact person to liaise with police. At meetings, people learn how to spot potential criminal activity and what information to record.
Otago Neighbourhood Support publishes a monthly newsletter.
Neighbourhood support groups in Lawrence and Kaitangata are already in place, although the Kaitangata group is not yet affiliated with Otago Neighbourhood Support.
Anyone interested in creating or taking part in a neighbourhood support group can telephone (03) 488-2392 or email admin@ons.org.nz.
