Community collaboration: Neighbourhood Watch Greater Shepparton’s Cathie McMaster and Bill Winters with Eastern Region Goulburn Valley Superintendent Shane Cashman.
Photo by
Rechelle Zammit
We’ve all witnessed dramatic portrayals on the big screen, but have you ever wondered what a neighbourhood watch group can truly accomplish?
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Neighbourhood Watch Greater Shepparton works closely with the police and Greater Shepparton City Council, but you can find out more about what it does at its first meeting for the year.
Neighbourhood Watch Greater Shepparton is a community-based program that aims to raise awareness and minimise preventable crime in the Greater Shepparton area.
The first meeting for 2024 will be held on Tuesday, February 6, at 7.30pm at the North Shepparton Community and Learning Centre, Parkside Dr, Shepparton.
Chairperson Cathie McMaster said this meeting would be a good opportunity for people to learn about what neighbourhood watch does, spread crime awareness and establish the group’s plan for 2024.
“It’s important to be aware of your own safety at all times,” she said.
“Crime is about opportunity, so prevention is key.”
The group will use the meeting to examine incidents over the Christmas and new year period and evaluate effective strategies, and areas that require further attention.
Preventable crime strategies regarding schools in Greater Shepparton and the implementation of one-way anti-theft screws for number plates will also be on the agenda.
“The screws make them (number plates) too hard to get off, which deters criminals, and they move on,” Ms McMaster said.
Safety first: One-way screws for number plates help deter petty theft.
Photo by
Supplied
The program relies on the community and the police working together in a partnership.
Neighbourhood Watch Greater Shepparton is always looking for volunteers to increase the reporting of crime and suspicious activities and reduce fear.
“Don’t give people an opportunity to steal things; keep valuables away and hidden,” Ms McMaster said.
Greater Shepparton residents who are concerned about community safety and crime prevention are invited to attend.
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