Neighbourhood Watch

Neighbourhood Watch (NHW) operates throughout Tasmania within local communities affected by crime and where there is also a local demonstrated desire to introduce the program.

It ensures maximum protection and assistance in the fight against crime with many areas throughout Tasmania establishing and maintaining the program.

Without active assistance from the public, police cannot hope to combat the rise in crime.

A Neighbourhood Watch zone is an area of approximately 700 residences.  An elected volunteer Area Coordinator from within each zone is responsible for liaison and information exchange between police and residents.  Selected Zone Leaders are responsible for fostering coordination between the residents in their zone and liaison with Area Coordinators.

Residents of NHW areas are educated in crime prevention and through four basic steps become involved in an active way by:

• Participating in Operation Identification - the marking of valuable household items with their driver's licence number prefixed by a 'T' for Tasmania;
• Informing residents of crime occurences in their area on a monthly basis and advising how to identify and report criminal activity;
• Increasing resident's knowledge of practical, personal and household security;
• Using sign-posting in areas where NHW operates as a deterrent to criminal intrusion.

NHW depends on a commitment to cooperation between neighbours and police, but more importantly, between neighbours themselves.

The Community Policing Services can advise of your nearest NHW area.

For further information, please contact Community Policing Services