Neighbourhood Watch

What does Neighbourhood Watch aim to achieve?

• Encourage closer ties between residents
• Reduce the incidence of preventable crime
• Deter criminal activity by increasing the probability of apprehension
• Increase the reporting of crime and suspicious behaviour
• Improve personal and household security through education
• Reduce the fear of crime

Why is it needed?

As we go about our day, we have the opportunity to casually observe the neighbourhood.  Such observations may be useful to keep children away from vacant houses, reporting abandoned cars, or alerting neighbours and police to suspicious behaviour in the street.  These are a few examples, but it is important to realise that criminals find it difficult to operate in areas where people take an active role in preventing crime.

No police force can effectively protect life and property without the support and cooperation of the community.

Every resident should participate in Neighbourhood Watch.

How does Neighbourhood Watch work?

Whether you live in a suburban street, a high rise building, on a farm, in the city, or regional Western Australian, knowing your neighbours will help you feel safer.

Many of us observe activities in our street, particularly when it seems out of place. However, we feel reluctant to do anything about our suspicions because we are unsure of what to do, or if our neighbours want us involved.

Through Neighbourhood Watch, we can overcome these uncertainties.  Neighbourhood Watch is a well known and trusted brand in our community.  It is closely associated with WA Police Force.  

Neighbourhood Watch is a program to encourage you to learn how to recognise and report suspicious activity in your neighbourhood.  It also provides education on how to make your home less inviting to thieves.  

Why do people participate in Neighbourhood Watch?

1. Increased Awareness:  Residents are informed about local crime trends and safety issues which raises awareness of potential risks.
2. Community Bonding:  Neighbourhood Watch fosters a sense of community and encourages residents to look out for one another.  Strong community bonds can deter criminal activity.
3. Communication Channels:  Residents share information and communicate regularly.  They will report suspicious behaviour to Police.  This helps Police respond to community concerns.
4. Education and Resources:  Neighbourhood Watch offer resources and educational materials to help residents implement safety measures and reduce the risk of becoming victims of crime.
5. It is easy and flexible:  How you set up your network with your neighbours is up to you.