Why We All Need Neighbourhood Watch

Founded in 1983, Neighbour Hood Watch (NHW) is an Australia-wide community based, crime prevention organisation which aims to reduce localised crime and make our neighbourhoods safer.

Over 40 years down the track, thanks to the efforts of tens of thousands of volunteers working in partnership with their local police, NHW has grown to become one our most effective crime prevention programs, successfully helping to reduce the risk of crime and violence in the community by encouraging people to look out for each other and report suspicious activity.

An important aspect of NHW involves learning more about crime prevention and sharing insights and tactics with the local community. The organisation provides a range of resources, educational materials and information to help residents implement safety measures to protect themselves and their property and reduce the risk of becoming victims of crime, including new forms of crime such as cybercrime.

But NHW programs are not just focused on as deterring potential criminals and making neighbourhoods safer. They’re also invaluable opportunities for neighbours to develop relationships with one another and build a stronger sense of community, with many local NHW Groups organising regular community events and activities where local residents can meet and connect.

If you’d like to become part of Neighbourhood Watch Victoria, membership provides a host of valuable benefits. it's easy and flexible and there are so many ways to get involved, from attending meetings to sharing information online. Just choose a level of commitment that suits your lifestyle and make a positive impact matched to the time you have available.

The Ashbury Neighbourhood Watch Group is active in the Armstrong Creek area and always keen to welcome new members. As well as holding public catchups and information sessions where local residents can raise and problem-solve local issues, the Group publishes regular newsletters and EDMs packed full of inspiring stories and reports, along with crime prevention advice and details of important future campaigns. The Neighbourhood Watch website provides a host of valuable resources including excellent toolkits and up to date crime prevention advice.

Members also assist with a range of community projects including neighbourhood clean-ups, removing graffiti, collaborating on local projects focused on enhancing community safety and connectedness, and providing emergency support in times of natural disasters like bushfires and floods.

You can stay up to date by following the Ashbury Neighbourhood Watch Group Facebook page as well as keep an eye out in the Ashbury Neighbourhood Watch Group newsletters for more tips and hints on how you can make your community safer.