A small Hawke's Bay community are banding together after smashed windows, vandalised property, and stolen goods marred a quiet weekend earlier this month.
In the early hours of March 18 a group of people reportedly threw rocks at houses in Waimarama, before stealing a wheelie bin and setting it on fire with a public barbecue.
At the time, residents spoken to by Hawke's Bay Today said the unusual incident had left them "on edge". Police had not been able to attend when called out, leaving some residents hopeful more safety measures could be put in place.
Now, the coastal community are now working together to do so - with around 85 people turning out on Wednesday night to discuss solutions to combat community safety issues.
Waimarama resident and Hastings District Councillor Bayden Barber attended the meeting, and said it had been very productive.