Bargara Neighbourhood Watch has resumed its community service after being disbanded for several years and residents are encouraged to get involved.
After having a vehicle stolen at Bargara, which was later used in a robbery in 2018, local resident Michael Owens became determined to relaunch Bargara Neighbourhood Watch.
Michael said citizens coming together, remaining alert and sharing information was an effective way to combat crime before it starts by reducing the opportunities for crime to occur.
“Neighbourhood Watch is a good way to start conversations in the community and build safe, strong, caring, connected and happy communities,” he said.
Mayor Jack Dempsey congratulated the group on re-establishing.
“It's great to see residents putting their hands up to serve the community,” he said.
“Neighbourhood Watch plays an important role in preventing crime and it builds a bridge between residents and Police.”
According to Neighbourhood Watch Queensland (NHWQ), the organisation encourages individuals, families, businesses and neighbourhoods to work together to strengthen and connect communities for a safe and secure state.
- Neighbourhood Watch Queensland (NHWQ) provides a vital link between Police and the community
- NHWQ groups give their members a direct point of contact with the Police
- NHWQ enables the Police to address community members’ concerns about local crime, reducing the fear of crime and improving community safety
- Police rely heavily on NHWQ groups for information.
Neighbourhood Watch also provides crime prevention tips and gives information about making reports to Police.
Michael said people could get involved by liking the Bargara group's Facebook page.
In the couple of weeks the group has been officially active there have been reports made about stolen bicycles, assistance provided to find a missing person and goods were handed into police that were later recovered by their owner.
“Bargara Neighbourhood Watch provides a very important service,” Michael said.
“We can't rely on the Police to do everything for us, they just don't have the resources.
“As a community, if people are alert and keep each other informed it helps the Police to do their job.”
Well done. Neighbourhood Watch is a positive organisation that has a proven track record in reducing crime. If we are proactive in reporting suspicious behaviour, I feel this has great deterrent towards break-ins, graffiti and many other offences committed.
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