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SAFER SUBURBS: Janne Breetvelt and Grant Marvin helped save a woman from potential danger.

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Two volunteers have been rewarded by police for thwarting an incident that could have ended in tragedy.

Grant Marvin and Janne Breetvelt of the Blockhouse Bay community patrol group were presented with certificates last week for their role in rescuing a woman who was being stalked by a motorist.

A member of the public phoned police after noticing someone following the woman in Waterview on March 25 at 10.20pm.

"The patrolling pair heard the incident on their police radio but it was out of their local area," patrol group trainer Garry Miller says.

"When they heard no police unit was available, Grant used his common sense and chose to assist."

A man was charged with breach of a protection order and sentenced to three months imprisonment and six months supervision as a result.

Mr Marvin, a former police officer, was the supervising patroller who was with Ms Breetvelt monitoring the area that evening.

Both located the victim on Blockhouse Bay Rd, identified themselves and offered her refuge in their marked vehicle.

Mr Miller says the rescue also highlights the importance of female volunteers.

"Janne reassured the woman that it was safe to jump into their car," he says. "The victim was absolutely scared.

"If it wasn’t for them, something serious could have happened.

"They did a good job."

Police Inspector Brent Holmes says the pair’s intervention was certainly commendable.

"The actions of the community patrol in providing assistance and reassurance prior to the arrival of police is a fine example of the benefits to the community Blockhouse Bay community patrol New Zealand provides," he says.

- © Fairfax NZ News