Rotorua's City Guardians are more than walking tourist information sites - they have been credited by police for helping arrest a robbery suspect as well as preventing crime from happening in the CBD.
Acting area commander Inspector Tim Anderson said the four Rotorua District Council-funded City Guardians were extra sets of "eyes and ears" for police.
"They've been pretty active around the CCTV, spotting problems and issues that may be on the horizon and either they attend or they will call police," Mr Anderson said.
He singled out Pete Mumby for his work.
"There was a robbery on Eruera St and through Pete's diligence we have been able to track down this offender using CCTV footage. We've been able to apprehend this offender within a day and provide the evidence. That kind of crime is thankfully few and far between, mainly due to their work. They are extra eyes and ears."