Angels fly in to spread the word

American Guardian Angels Ed Park, left, and Michael McDaniel, right, with Andy Cawston. Picture / Glenn Jeffrey

West Auckland citizen crimefighter Andy Cawston has already recruited enough would-be Guardian Angels to run at least three patrols on the streets of Henderson.

The 42-year-old Canadian, who has New Zealand citizenship, made an appeal this week for volunteers to help him establish a New Zealand chapter of the American organisation.

He wants to put patrols of six out on nightly shifts of a few hour s. So far he has received about 20 offers of assistance.

Not all of the volunteers necessarily want to hit the streets, however.

Discount supplies have been offered, and others have volunteered to help in shipping the distinctive red beret and white T-shirt uniforms (Angels refer to them as "colours"), which are imported from the US.

Others have contacted Mr Cawston, looking to start Guardian Angels chapters on the North Shore and in Wellington. Mr Cawston, a father of two, intends running patrols in Henderson, a part of West Auckland he says is becoming "a bit of a scary place".

He said earlier this week that his native Vancouver was going to hell in a handcart when he left.

He was "present" for two home invasions and one burglary. "I know what crime is."

Waitakere City was going the same way, he said.

In the past 12 months graffiti attacks had increased, burglaries and car thefts were up and "kidnappings and bashings" were more common.

Two fellow Guardian Angels arrived from the United States yesterday to help Mr Cawston's recruitment drive. Ed Park, of the Reno, Nevada chapter, and Michael McDaniel of Portland, Oregon, will spend a week in New Zealand helping to spread the Angels' message, but also making sure Mr Cawston is on the level.

Not just anyone can make a Guardian Angel organiser, Mr Park says.

"We need to know there are people here we can trust." They were pleased to see that Mr Cawston was "very professional".

The men will carry out a patrol of Henderson streets today from 4pm, after a "muster" in the Alderman Dr carpark in Henderson. The public are welcome to attend.