Founder of Epping ‘community response group’ says they’re not vigilantes

AN Epping martial-arts expert specialising in Israeli self-defence denies a “community response group” being set up because police “can’t help” victims of crime is vigilantism. So what have police had to say about the move?

WHITTLESEA’s top cop has poured cold water on a crime-fighting “community response group” led by a martial-arts expert.

Daniel Jones, the owner of martial-arts school Tactical Force Combatives, is in the early stages of setting up a “community response group” to deal with thugs and criminals despite police discouraging the plan.

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Mr Jones said he had no fear of being harmed physically while confronting offenders.

He denied the group would act as vigilantes but rather said it would provide a community service where people in “distress” could contact “interested parties in the local area that would be able to rush to their assistance”.

“We’re not vigilantes because we don’t want to hurt people, we just want to help people who are in danger,” Mr Jones said.

“I’d prefer to handle any situation verbally but it wouldn’t concern me if it did get physical because I’m more than capable dealing with aggressive behaviour.”

Daniel Jones is setting up a “community response group” to help people in danger, but the idea has been discouraged by police. Picture: Ellen Smith

Mr Jones specialises in Krav Maga, an Israeli military self-defence system, and has experience as a security guard.

He said anyone “smashing in a front door” would most likely flee when his team arrived.

However, Victoria Police were quick to discourage the plan.

“Police are aware of groups such as this that have at times attempted to undertake ‘citizen patrols’ in the community,” Whittlesea Inspector Andrew Falconer said.

“We strongly discourage this behaviour which can place those individuals at risk of harm if they attempt to confront an offender.”

Inspector Andrew Falconer says police discourage groups trying to do “citizen patrols”.

Mr Jones dismissed police concerns, adding he hoped his group would be able to work with the police going forward.

“I don’t want to say anything disparaging about the police but they’re understaffed and can’t help us so if you don’t do anything you’re going to get hurt anyway,” he said.

Inspector Falconer said Victoria Police was well-equipped, trained and resourced to respond to safety concerns in the community.

Last week, police vowed zero tolerance for unruly teens disrupting shoppers and businesses in Doreen.

“If you are witness to or the victim of a crime, call 000 first and foremost to request police assistance,” Inspector Falconer said.

“Epping and the surrounding suburbs continue to receive a 24/7 police response, with police undertaking intelligence-led, proactive patrols throughout the community.”