Neighbourhood Watch: STN 1 South YarraRegion 1 Division 2 Stonnington, Victoria, Australia.
You are here: Home>Newsletters>July 2003
Neighbourhood Watch: STN 1 South Yarra
Region 1 Division 2
Stonnington, Victoria, Australia.
You are here: Home>Newsletters>July 2003
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July, 2003 It was 20 years ago today... THE year was 1983, the place was Kananook near Frankston, and the burning issue for the community was how to combat house burglaries. The result was a joint community and police pilot initiative known as Neighbourhood Watch. Neighbourhood Watch is now established in 1300 areas, covering almost one million homes around Victoria, with more than 40,000 registered volunteers. Neighbourhood Watch is more than just looking out for your neighbours it's about coming up with the best crime prevention strategies for homes, communities and businesses. It now has a program at the Royal Children's Hospital and will soon take in a city block in Melbourne's CBD. The program has its own web site (www.neighbourhoodwatch.com.au) which includes a virtual house and car where people can learn how to conduct a security audit on their own home and learn other safety and crime prevention tips. Discount electrical retailer The Good Guys is the official partner of Neighbourhood Watch and will provide financial and logistical support to the program for the next three years. At a commemorative lunch at the Frankston Arts Centre on Sunday 29 June, Chief Commissioner Christine Nixon congratulated and thanked everyone involved in the successful crime-fighting program during the past 20-years. 'Neighbourhood Watch has become a vital tool for police and is one of the most enduring and successful crime prevention programs ever introduced in Victoria,' Ms Nixon said. Neighbourhood Watch State President Bill Horman passed on his congratulations to all past and present volunteers and police members who were associated with the program. 'We have achieved so much in the past 20-years and I look forward to working with the volunteers and Victoria Police to build on our successes - together we make Victoria a safer community,' Mr Horman said. 'Creating Safer Communities is our slogan for the future and the Neighbourhood Watch program will continue to remain at the leading-edge of crime prevention initiatives and ensure all Victorians are aware of the role they can play in preventing crime in this state.' Sgt. Pepper When do I call 000 for police? Only call in an emergency where police are required. For example: • Any suspected offence in progress, being witnessed or just committed. • Any situation where life or injury is threatened. • Motor vehicle accident where persons are injured. • Air, rail or water accident. • Any event, which has the potential to cause danger to persons or property. • Explosion or bomb incident/threat. • A disturbance or breach of the peace, eg: Domestic violence incident or anti social behaviour. When shouldn't I call 000 for police? When it is not an emergency. For example: • asking a question or advice. • reporting something which has happened in the past. • wanting to speak with a particular police member or to be connected to a police station. • making a complaint. • Wanting a non-police related service. Police cannot connect to other non-emergency services. (eg taxi etc) • where the assistance of the State Emergency Service, local council or other government or non-government service is required. • annoying telephone calls. To contact police for non-emergency matters ring your local police station (9520 5200). Victoria below national average in crime AUSTRALIAN Bureau of Statistics figures released at the end of May show Victoria's victimisation rate was 22.6 per cent below the national average. Victoria recorded 5,448 victims of crime per 100,000 population compared with the national figure of 7,042. Chief Commissioner, Christine Nixon said these figures reflect the hard work undertaken by members of Victoria Police combined with the support from the Victorian community. Victoria was well below the national average in nine of the 12 categories. These include: • Murder - 11.2 per cent • Attempted Murder - 47.3 per cent • Manslaughter - 65.2 per cent • Assault - 54.7 per cent • Sexual Assault - 40.0 per cent • Kidnapping/Abduction - 44.2 per cent • Robbery - 38.9 per cent • Residential Burglary 27.3 per cent • Other Theft - 15.7 per cent While Motor Vehicle Thefts were slightly above the national average, this was still down 27.8 per cent on the previous year's figures. Victoria Police interim crime figures show that up to March 2003, the trend is continuing with a similar decrease of 27.4 per cent. Residential Burglary was 27.3 per cent below the national average. It was also down 13.8 per cent on the previous year, making it the lowest in Australia. Ms Nixon said the significant reductions can be mainly attributed to a number of long-term crime prevention strategies, including 'Operation Vehicle Watch', which focuses on car thefts, and 'Operation Acrobat' targeting burglaries. 'Safety in the community is a team effort and everyone has a role to play in reducing crime. It's not just a police problem. Police around Victoria are working with their local residents and building community partnerships to reduce crime. 'One of my top priorities has been what matters most to people - and that's crime control, the need to feel safe in our homes and public places and a reduction in violence,' she said. 'I believe we are now on the way to achieving these goals.' Age and diet may be a sign of advancing years IT'S often said that it's a sign that you are getting older when police officers appear to be getting younger. Perhaps the dietary habits of police officers may be another sign of advancing age. I recently observed two members of a Victoria Police city foot patrol queuing for lunch...at a sushi bar! What happened to a hamburger with the lot, washed down with a chocolate milk shake. Heads-up to raise money for kids with cancer IT'LL make your hair turn blue or maybe disappear all together. It's about making a difference and saving the lives of children. It's Bluey Day 2003, when police and emergency services put their heads up to raise money for cancer research at the Royal Children's Hospital. This years local Bluey Day fundraising campaign will be held on Saturday 2 August at Chadstone Shopping Centre commencing at noon. The event involves police, firefighters, ambulance officers and State Emergency Service volunteers and members of the community foregoing their locks to help children living with cancer. Last year's event raised more than $1 million in Victoria. Participants must raise at least $1000 for the privilege of having their hair cropped and everyone is urged to sponsor their local emergency service personnel taking part. All money raised in Victoria is donated to the Royal Children's Hospital and used for the research and treatment of childhood cancer. Please call the Bluey Day Hotline at the Royal Children's Hospital on 9345 5143 for more information on how you can help these very special children living with cancer. Wouldn't it be nice if... When a police officer gave you a ticket, a smart response would actually reduce your fine. As in: Police Officer: "You know how fast you were going?" You: "All I know is, I was spilling my beer all over the place." Police Officer: "Nice one! That's $10 off." Next Meeting Disclaimer:
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Last modified 19 August 2003.