Neighbourhood Watch scheme proposed

Waimarino Bulletin, Volume 1, Issue 27, 6 December 1983, Page 5

Neighbourhood Watch scheme proposed

The Neighbourhood Watch scheme, launched several years ago, has proved so successful in alerting Police to possible criminal activities that it is being publicised again, prior to the Christmas holiday period. Ohakune Constable, Marty Sutherland, says that the scheme has proved very popular and worthwhile throughout the country and that he'd like to see more Waimarino householders participate in the Neighbourhood Watch Scheme. "We've got a big area to cover and it's in everyone's interest to help where they can." According to Police Headquarters in Wellington said Constable Sutherland, since Neighbourhood Watch groups became established there has been a noticeable increase in reports of suspicious activities relating to dwelling places. Burglary and theft from people 's •mes have not risen at the ne rate as other forms of crime. While there is no way of telling how many house-

holders have been saved from burglary and vandalism by the scheme, it has been found that if would-be thieves or burglars see a Neighbourhood Watch sticker on a house, they are very likely to try some other unprotected property. They know quite well that if that sticker is there one of the neighbours could see them and ring the Police, to report a stranger apparently up to no good. Constable Sutherland suggests that any householders who have not already formed a Neighbourhood Watch Group should get one going as soon as possible. The Christmas break is a dangerous period for Criminal activity. The Police can't keep an eye on every house all the time. A properly organised Neighbourhood Watch Group can." Constable Sutherland said that the scheme is not an invitation to neighbours to 'snoop' on each other. It is purely a method to make it easier for householders to protect each others' properties. Do-it-yourself crime prevention.

Neighbourhood Watch kits are available free from Raetihi, Ohakune, Waiouru and National Park Police Stations and from the Bulletin Office in Ohakune. They contain information on how to set up a group, how to make homes difficult to break into and what to do if strangers appear to be acting suspiciously around a neighbour's house. And, of course, they contain a supply of stickers to be used by members of the Group.