By Casey Neill
Neighbourhood Watch hopes a fresh wave of grass-roots crime-fighters will start keeping an eye on Keysborough’s new estates.
The Greater Dandenong arm has instigated installation of the recognisable white and green Neighbourhood Watch signs in the Somerfield estate and others.
Greater Dandenong Council and Carlisle Homes supported the project.
President Dawn Vernon said the group had several others on the go.
“We now have personal and door alarms available at the low price of $15,” she said.
She also encouraged people to take advantage of one-way number plate screw fittings.
Ms Vernon said thieves stole 12,000 plates in Victoria last year.
“The cost and inconvenience to notify your insurance company and VicRoads, and buy replacement plates … and if you have personalised number plates they cannot be replaced,” she said.
“We will be fitting number plate screws at Bunnings Springvale in October.
“They donated us a barbecue valued at more than $790 to raffle.”
The group will also hold a public forum on Wednesday 21 September that will double as its AGM.
“This night will be very much about crime prevention and safety,” Ms Vernon said.
Victoria Police Safer Communities Unit Inspector Zorka Dunstan will be the guest speaker and there’ll be time for residents to ask questions and mingle with their neighbours from across the city.
Ms Vernon said Neighbourhood Watch started in Victoria to help police control rising crime rates, particularly burglary.
A pilot eventuated in Kananook in 1983 and today there are about 7000 Neighbourhood Watch volunteers across the state.
“Every one of these volunteers are keen to contribute to the prevention of crime,” Ms Vernon said.
“Could you help too? We would love to hear from you.”
The public forum will be held in Room 3 at the Paddy O’Donoghue Centre, 18-34 Buckley Street, Noble Park, from 7.30pm to 9pm on Wednesday 21 September.
There’ll be another forum on Wednesday 16 November.
Call Ms Vernon on 0407 325 030 or email president@nhwgreaterdandenong.org for more information.
