Police in Christchurch say the earthquake four months ago is ultimately making parts of the city safer.
Informal neighbourhood networks which sprung up after the quake on 4 September are now becoming formal neighbourhood support programmes.
Neighbourhood Support Canterbury says it has received inquiries from 38 areas wanting to start a programme and had inquiries from up to 40 neighbourhoods which had a programme that has lapsed.
Senior Sergeant Philip Dean says police have capitalised on that by visiting and teaching people about crime prevention and how to formalise their network.
Programme co-ordinator Dave Wilkinson says the damage wrought by the quake brought people together in adversity.
He says some residents are holding their meetings at a pub because they can't use their their houses.