The Mitsubishi Outlander was bought through local fundraising activities, previous donations and a substantial grant from the Grassroots Trust. Sign writing was sponsored by Downer New Zealand Ltd.
A Mosgiel-Taieri Community Patrol spokesman said such support was vital for the organisation’s ongoing work.
"The patrol would not exist without this support," he said.
Formed in 2009, the Mosgiel-Taieri Community Patrol has 22 volunteer members, who patrol the wider Taieri area covering Brighton, Outram, Momona, Waldronville, Fairfield, Green Island and Abbotsford, as well as Mosgiel and, if required, Dunedin.
Usually, the patrol operates three shifts of four hours each, on Friday night, Saturday afternoon, and Saturday night, acting as "eyes and ears" for police.
Volunteers also cover local community activities, foot patrols around the Mosgiel business area, and are available to support the Civil Defence Emergency Response Group in case of flooding, fire or earthquake.
They also regularly visit retirement villages, schools, playgrounds, sports fields, supermarkets, car parks and industrial areas.
In 2025, the Mosgiel-Taieri Community Patrol completed a total of 869 patrol hours, travelled 9300km and assisted police with more than 620 incidents.
"In partnership with others, we prevent crime and reduce harm through the active presence of trained patrollers," the spokesman said.
Mosgiel-Taieri Community Patrol operates under the umbrella of Community Patrols of New Zealand (CPNZ), which was formed in 2002.
"CPNZ’s vision is a New Zealand where everyone feels safe ... any crime prevented saves the police time to attend to the matters they are trained and qualified for," the spokesman said.
• Mosgiel-Taieri Community Patrol is on the lookout for new members to help contribute to a safer community. For information contact Dave Mitchell on 027 667 4800, or email mosgielcp@xtra.co.nz — Allied Media
