Organiser keen to tackle city's cesspool of crime

Guardian Angels New Zealand organiser Andy Cawston has been in the country for 12 years, and in that time he has never been robbed, burgled, attacked, or encountered drug-related crime.

But his wife has witnessed a stabbing and friends have been burgled and robbed.

Now the 42-year-old father of two wants the place cleaned up so his children do not inherit a "crime-ridden cesspool".

"I want to make sure New Zealand is safe for them while they are growing up. I want to make sure that what they have got left is an inheritance."

Mr Cawston - a Canadian with New Zealand citizenship - says 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."

Now Waitakere City is going the same way, he says.

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

"These things happen because society allows these things to happen."

It doesn't matter what crime figures say as long as there is a public perception that crime is on the increase, he reckons.

"Regardless of statistics, if people don't feel safe, there's a place for Guardian Angels."

An overstretched police force and 111 system are well-publicised examples of situations that shape public perception.

Mr Cawston - who says he is a staunch supporter of police - believes, however, it is better to take action oneself than simply to complain to "City Hall".

That's why he is already sporting the red beret and white T-shirt of the Guardian Angels movement and has another six or so at home.

More uniforms would be sent from the United States, but as numbers grew, he would look to have uniforms made here.