Towns keep watch out

By Mara Pattison-Sowden
WHILE the State Government is trying to regrow the Neighbourhood Watch (NHW) program, Yarra Ranges’ residents have their own safety sorted.
The Neighbourhood Watch program has become more accessible with the launch of a new website with access to regional crime statistics from Victoria Police, advice on implementing security measures and community news and events.
But Yarra Ranges’ crime prevention officer Leading Senior Constable Linda Hancock told the Mail that although only three NHW groups are active, she was pleased there are many township and community groups that play a similar role.
“There are four areas in Mount Evelyn, as well as a Kilsyth and Chirnside Park group that run Neighbourhood Watch,” she said.
“They never existed in the Upper Yarra or Healesville,” she said, but added that the existing township groups there already play a part in community safety.
“Every group has a flavor they work on depending on the people on their committee,” she said.
“Tecoma are trying not to let the McDonald’s development get up, Yarra Junction had development issues but also look at safety, Montrose works on graffiti and damage, while Woori Yallock and Millgrove are very passionate about tidying up their towns.”
Leading Sen Const Hancock said the NHW program was still viable, and existing groups could play a part in promoting crime prevention safety in homes and communities.
“The Upper Yarra has a township group that’s active and joins in basic crime prevention like reporting suspicious behavior and locking car doors,” she said.
“As crime prevention officer I have generally provided groups with statistics. I can’t give street by street stats but I can tell them what crimes have increased and what they need to work on.”
The government wants the new Neighbourhood Watch website to complement the work of existing groups.
Eastern Victoria MP Philip Davis said the website aims to communicate and connect with Victorians.
“Website users should find the design of the website interactive and flexible, as it offers a new way ahead for Neighbourhood Watch, the public and the government to be more responsive to community safety needs,” he said.
The 2011-2012 State Budget has allocated $550,000 for the reinvigoration of the Neighbourhood Watch program including the appointment of a state manger and securing new headquarters.
The funding is part of a $39 million budget allocation to support grassroots crime prevention initiatives, which included $19.75 million for a Community Infrastructure Fund, $5.25 million for a Community Safety Fund and $13.5 million for a zero tolerance approach to graffiti.
For more information visit www.nhw.com.au.