CITY of Cockburn councillor Chontelle Sands has taken over as Neighbourhood Watch (NHW) chairperson following the sudden death of former chairperson Steve Portelli.
Cr Sands said she was honoured to take on the role and was looking forward to working with the community to improve personal safety and security.
“I am very humbled and honoured to be appointed to this new role” Cr Sands said.
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READ NOW“Neighbourhood Watch is an important part of the Council’s Community Safety Strategy, and we are committed to working together with WA Police, CoSafe and community members to keep the streets of Cockburn safe.”
Cr Sands said she would look to implement a number of fresh ideas as well as host safety workshops and crime forums for residents including a free anti-theft screw fitting event at Bibra Lake Bunnings on Saturday to prevent vehicle number plate theft in the area.
“Another exciting initiative we are engaging is ‘NHW Crime Concerns’,” she said.
“These are the hot topics that are currently being discussed in the community and frequently reported to NHW.
“Our plan is to highlight these issues and provide information to residents on how to recognise and report suspicious activity and how to make yourself less inviting as a target of crime.
“We will also be looking at strategies and working with community groups to ensure everyone can get to know their neighbours and build trust in their community, which is a core strategy of the NHW program.”
For more information visit the website at www.nhw.wa.gov.au or phone 9411 3444.
Car break-in prevention tips
Do not leave any valuables in your vehicles including keys and paperwork which may contain your address. Park off the street in your driveway if you don’t have a garage. Remove GPS units and wipe the suction mark off the window. Lock your car –even when parking at home or just leaving it for a moment. Tradespeople – lock external tool boxes and equipment if they can’t be removed.
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