An anti-crime group is preparing to start its own security patrols in areas of Auckland it says are badly served by police.
The Asian Anti-Crime Group says its patrols in the eastern suburbs from October are about vigilance, not vigilantism, and volunteers will be trained by police.
The group's chairman, Peter Low, says it is also compiling evidence from victims about their experiences.
Police national ethnic adviser Kefeng Chu says he will look at the matters raised by Mr Low's group.
On Saturday, a small group marched through Takapuna shopping centre to protest against crime.
About 50 people were there to ask politicians to toughen laws on crime.
Organisers say the march was prompted by the recent violent crimes in South Auckland and last month's abduction of five-year-old Cina Ma.
Meanwhile, police are appealing for witnesses after a bank robbery in Auckland.
The Three Kings branch of ASB was held up just before midday on Monday by two heavily disguised men.
Police will not disclose how much money was taken, but say one of the offenders was armed with a gun.
The offenders were seen leaving in a stolen black and silver Subaru Forester, which was parked outside the bank's entrance.
And in Wellington, police are looking for a man who attacked and robbed an attendant at an inner-city car park on Monday morning.
Police say the offender grabbed the attendant by the throat when he answered the office door at a car park on Clifton Terrace about 7am.
Police say the robber told the man he had a weapon and and demanded money before punching him the face as he tried to hand over three cash boxes.
They describe the offender as possibly Polynesian of solid build, with a faded tattoo on his right hand.
