War veteran, 91, told to stop solo patrols

A 91-year-old war veteran has been asked to halt his solo night patrols on the streets of the southern Hawke's Bay town of Waipawa.

John Bray used to drive around on volunteer community patrols with a partner, but went solo after his companion, in his late 80s, kept falling asleep on duty, the Dominion Post reported.

The national Community Patrol organisation does not want volunteers working alone for safety reasons.

Waipawa patrol head John Carter said he hated breaking the news to Mr Bray and the organisation was desperately trying to find a partner for him.

Mr Bray has driven Waipawa's streets at least once a month for more than 10 years, armed with a spotlight, fluorescent vest and a mobile phone, looking for suspicious behaviour.

- NZPA