A local in the far North town was shocked to find two small children looking for food in a rubbish bag last week.

Northern Districts Security firm's Kaitaia Branch Manager, Carol Shutt, says she's escorted more than 30 children home in the past year.

She says they do night patrols at all hours, and see children just hanging around.

"It's pretty scary, they're out there by themselves. And we often stop and have a chat to the child and see if there's anything we can do for them."

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• 'Some kids are really struggling': Children found eating scraps out of rubbish bags