SYKES WINS GOVERNMENT AND POLICE COMMITMENT FOR NEIGHBOURHOOD WATCH

In Parliament last week Bill Sykes, the Nationals Member for Benalla and Nationals spokesperson for Police and Emergency Services, successfully secured the Government’s ongoing commitment to Neighbourhood Watch.

Dr Sykes raised this issue amid community concerns about the future of police involvement in the Neighbourhood Watch program.

The Minister for Police and Emergency Services replied to Dr Sykes request that an assurance be given that support of Neighbourhood Watch would not be reduced. The Minister indicated his strong support for the program and committed to retaining the current level of police involvement in the highly successful Neighbourhood Watch program.

Dr Sykes asked the Minister to give an assurance and the Minister responded, “From the support indicated by the Chief Commissioner it is clear that Victoria Police will maintain the present level of support for Neighbourhood Watch programs, and I support and am encouraged by that ongoing commitment from Victoria Police.”

Dr Sykes highlighted the importance of the Neighbourhood Watch program to the Parliament saying, “Neighbourhood Watch is an integral part of the fabric of Victorian communities, especially country communities. It stands alongside community groups such as the CFA, SES, Landcare, CWA, Australian Red Cross and the footy and netball clubs which enhance the sense of togetherness and provide wide ranging benefits way beyond their formal charters.”

Dr Sykes continued, “Whilst a key focus of Neighbourhood Watch is to reduce the level of crime, people also seek from it a sense of security and wellbeing. Since the inception of Neighbourhood Watch, Victoria Police has played a vital, highly visible and much appreciated role in the conduct and coordination of the program.”

“Neighbourhood Watch was established in Victoria in 1983. There are now around 1300 participating groups, and recently the 1 millionth participating home was recognised,” Dr Sykes detailed.

Dr Sykes is pleased he was able to allay community fears, and have the Minister commit the Government and Victoria Police to ongoing support of the successful Neighbourhood Watch program.

Dr Sykes concluded “I will continue to work for active police presence in country communities, in particular focusing on staffing levels in country police stations and retention of a visible police presence in our schools.”

Media contact: Bill Sykes (03) 5762 2100 or 0427 624 989