Neighbourhood Watch Key Programs

Neighbourhood Watch includes other programs. These are Business Watch, School Watch, Rural Watch, and Junior Neighbourhood Watch.
Last updated:

The programs follow the Neighbourhood Watch philosophy. It is about "neighbours looking out for neighbours". The programs apply to businesses, rural locations and school premises.  

School Watch

School Watch is a partnership between the WA Police Force and the Department of Education. The goal is to protect public schools from vandalism, theft and damage.

The Police and the Department work closed to cut crime at schools.  You too can help.  More than 650 public schools are in the School Watch program.  The community's role is vital.  This is especially true after school and during holidays.

If you live near a public school and see or hear suspicious behaviour, contact School Watch Security or the Police.

Who to contact

School Watch Security - 1800 1777 777 or Police - 131 444

How your call helps

Your call could prevent break-ins, vandalism, graffiti or even arson. 

Principals are encouraged to promote School Watch to nearby homes and the school community.

What to look for

  • Be vigilant during school holidays as schools are more vulnerable to crime.
  • If you hear strange noises in a school, like glass breaking or banging, this might mean trouble.
  • Look for unusual vehicles parked at a school on weekends or during holidays.
  • Watch for groups "hanging around" on school grounds.  This should not occur and may be an indication that a crime may occur.

Business Watch

The Business Watch program aims to create a network of local businesses. They will work together to deter, prevent, and reduce crime. They will also create a safer place for staff and customers.

What is it?

Like Neighbourhood Watch, Business Watch members keep a look out on their premises. They also watch others' and stay vigilant. All suspicious and criminal activity is reported to Police. Businesses will share this information with other members of their network. This is so they are aware and can act.

How it works

  • Get to know your neighbouring businesses.
  • Set up a communication network with neighbouring businesses.  Share information with your network of anti social behaviour and potential thieves.  This will improve situational awareness of what is happening.  Then, they can take any necessary action.
  • Download the Eyes on the Street App to share information direct to Police via Crime Stoppers WA.
  • Report all incidents as this may help Police understand what is happening in your store.  Your information will help with the detection, apprehension and prosecution of an offender.  Recording all incidents in your store can also identify areas for security improvement.
  • Crime proof property.
  • Add security measures to impede and detect criminal activity.
  • Develop signals to activate in adjacent businesses when someone needs help.

Rural Watch

Rural Watch encourages people in farming and rural communities to know their neighbours. They should be vigilant about crime prevention and report anything suspicious to Police.

Rural Watch Aims

  • To encourage the community to establish a communication network to share information.
  • To report crimes and suspicious activity to Police.
  • To encourage rural communities to take crime prevention and deterrent action.

Rural Watch Initiatives

  • Display Rural Watch signs to deter criminals and anti social behaviour.
  • Promote farm and home security checks.  Also, promote property inventories and marking on all machinery, tools and equipment.  This includes security locks, lights or alarms.  Also, prevent rubbish dumping and other crimes.
  • Encourage farmers and their employees to be security conscious.  They should look out for strange vehicles.  They should report all suspicious activity to Police..
  • Download the Eyes on the Street App for quick, easy and efficient reporting to Police.
  • Develop a communication network with neighbouring farms to communicate and share information.

Junior Neighbourhood Watch

The Junior Neighbourhood Watch Program aims to increase the level of knowledge in young people in crime prevention.

The program is run in conjunction with a local school, local government and local Police.

The aims of the program are:

  • Introduce Neighbourhood Watch to youth in the community.
  • Raise the profile of Neighbourhood Watch amongst young people.
  • Create a positive learning environment reducing the likelihood of disengagement.
  • Educate in relation to crime prevention initiates and personal safety.
  • Educate in relation to road safety.
  • Increase the level of awareness of their surroundings.
  • Increase positive interactions with Police.  Increasing the likelihood of reporting crime.
  • Increase the level of perception of safety.
  • Create a safer community.

The lessons delivered have covered the following topics:

  • Positive Relationships
  • Road Safety 
  • Graffiti
  • Personal Safety
  • School Watch 
  • Bike Security and Safety (including Bikelinc)
  • Reporting

The lessons are delivered by local Police to upper primary school students.  

Contact Neighbourhood Watch on 9222 1513 or info@nhw.wa.gov.au for further information.

Announcements

WA Police Force services

Find your local police
Frequently asked questions
Get involved
Neighbourhood Watch main page
Our key programs
Resources

Contact

Was this page useful?