NT Neighbourhood Watch marks 30 years

NHWNT is a community-led non-profit organisation that provides people with crime prevention and personal safety strategies and resources.

With more than 1000 members across the Territory they aim to connect neighbourhoods and educate and empower the community to increase their personal safety.

Jenny Malone, NHWNT president, said for over 30 years our members and volunteers have been working collaboratively with stakeholders and the community to:

-        increase the reporting of crime and suspicious behaviour;

-        minimise the incidence of preventable crime; and

-        improve access to information and crime prevention tools.

Ms Malone said that the ultimate success of Neighbourhood Watch depends largely on its members and the community actively working in partnership with the NT Police to assist with the prevention of crime and promotion of community and personal safety.

“I would like to especially thank and acknowledge the many people that have volunteered and supported our organisation over the past 30 years and we look forward to continuing to work with you into the future”.

Key NHWNT initiatives that people may have seen or been involved with over the past 30 years have included:

-        Kerbside numbering and street signage projects

-        Engraving operations for property and especially bicycles

-        Mark Your Territory invisible UV marker kits which helps police return stolen goods to their rightful owners

-        The Knock Knock program which encourages members of the community to get to know their neighbours.

-        Wheelie bin stickers that promote the right numbers to call when you witness a crime or if you think something suspicious is happening.

-        The Safety House program is a community-led network of safe places for children on their way to and from school.

-        Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design (CPTED) audits and workshops.

-        Various educational awareness campaigns.

Ms Malone said that NHWNT hopes to continue and strengthen their partnership with NT Government and NT Police in the future and will continue to deliver programs, campaigns and initiatives that are relevant and meet the needs of our members and the community.

“Whilst with recent Police task force activity property crime appears to be reducing somewhat, it is imperative that the community remain vigilant and report any crimes or suspicious behaviour and put in place strategies to protect themselves and their property. I would encourage people to access the Neighbourhood Watch NT website which provides some practical tips on how you can reduce the risk of becoming a victim of crime.

Whether you are taking a break or relaxing at home, we encourage residents to remain vigilant and take the necessary measures to reduce the incidences of opportunistic crime.

For more information visit www.nhwnt.org.au