National Neighbourhood Watch Week shines a light on important resource

THE inaugural National Neighbourhood Watch Week is underway, with WA Police keen to raise awareness of the crime-busting initiative.

Neighbourhood Watch is a community-based, crime-prevention organisation that aims to reduce localised crime by promoting community engagement among residents.

WA Police has been supporting Neighbourhood Watch since its inception in 1982.

Bernie Durkin, President of Neighbourhood Watch Australasia, said he was hoping the week would shine a light on the good work the organisation does.

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“Police have worked closely with Neighbourhood Watch throughout their nearly 30-year history across Australia, and we are proud to continue that partnership,” Mr Durkin said.

“The idea behind the upcoming campaign is to raise awareness and show how easily it can be adapted to suit local community needs.

“Participation in Neighbourhood Watch can help people feel more connected, and improve personal safety and home security.

“Importantly for police, when NHW is running effectively in a local community, we’re more likely to receive reports of criminal or suspicious activity and the quality of this information is improved.”

But far from being just a crime-fighting tool, Neighbourhood Watch also addresses the issue of social isolation.

Starting a local program is as simple as getting to know your neighbours.

Anyone interested in receiving local crime information and crime prevention tips can subscribe to ewatch by visiting www.ewatch.com.au.

You can also follow Neighbourhood Watch WA on Facebook, or download the app for smart phones.

National Neighbourhood Watch Week runs from October 3-9.