Enhancing Neighborhood Safety: A Guide
In the heart of Victoria, a movement started over three decades ago that has since grown into a powerful force for community safety. Neighbourhood Watch, initially a Victorian Police community program, was established in 1983. Over the years, it has evolved into an independent not-for-profit organisation, fostering a sense of security and connection among its members.
The core of Neighbourhood Watch lies in the active participation of its members. If your area doesn't have a Neighbourhood Watch group, you can take the initiative and invite your neighbours to join. By working together, you can create a safer environment for everyone.
One of the key strategies for enhancing security is maintaining a well-kept property. This includes locking doors and windows, keeping fences in good repair, and taking care of your garden. A tidy and secure home can act as a deterrent for burglars.
Joining a local Neighbourhood Watch group can bring numerous benefits. Not only can it improve security in your street, as per Neighbourhood Watch CEO Bambi Gordon, but it can also boost community engagement. Activities like street walking groups, community events, and children's playdates can help foster a sense of unity among neighbours.
Neighbourhood Watch members are encouraged to report any suspicious behaviour or criminal activity to both their community and the police. This shared vigilance can help in early detection and prevention of crimes.
In addition to neighbourly cooperation, there are other practical measures you can take to enhance security. Improving street lighting can help deter burglars by reducing hiding spots for criminals. If you find that your street lighting is inadequate, consider contacting your local council for assistance.
Installing security measures such as CCTV or alarms can also help protect your precious items. Motion-sensor floodlights around entry points can act as a powerful deterrent for potential burglars.
A connected community is safer, according to Neighbourhood Watch CEO Bambi Gordon. Neglected properties and streets can encourage burglars and vandals. Organize a community clean-up in your street or neighbourhood to remove litter, graffiti, and trim overgrown bushes and trees.
In the spirit of community safety, Bambi Gordon encourages Victorians to work with their neighbours to improve security in their street or court. After all, a secure neighbourhood is a thriving neighbourhood.
In 2023, there were 112,136 property and deception offences reported in Victoria, according to the Victorian Crime Statistics Agency (CSA). These numbers underscore the importance of community efforts in combating crime.
The 2023 RACV My Home survey found that 92% of participants considered home safety to be the most important factor for liveability. As we strive to create safer and more connected communities, let us remember the power we hold in our hands—the power to make a difference, one neighbour at a time.
Even the Australian city of Townsville, independent of the police, established a Neighbourhood Watch program in 2023. This demonstrates the universal appeal and effectiveness of the Neighbourhood Watch concept.
Criminals are less likely to approach areas they know are guarded by security technology. By working together, we can create a safer environment for everyone, making our streets and neighbourhoods places where we can live, work, and play with confidence.
