By GEORGIA WESTGARTH
CASEY’S police chief has hit out at residents who are willing to let the area’s Neighbourhood Watch (NW) die as crime grows at one of the highest rates in the state.
Inspector Paul Breen said that it was a crucial “institution we can’t let die”.
“As local commander I’m sick to death of hearing people say what are we doing about the high crime rate, ice, hoons, so I say what the bloody hell are you doing?”
“We’re in it together,” Insp Breen said.
“We absolutely can’t let NW fold, it’s a real institution across Victoria, it’s a great initiative and, above all else, it keeps people aware – it’s about looking after each other’s back.”
Insp Breen said the only reason NW will fall over in Casey is because of a lack of community interest and engagement.
“Don’t tell me out of the 29 suburbs in Casey we can’t find someone from each suburb to become NW champions,” he said.
“In an area with such a high crime rate and family violence and hooning and drug use, it’s about time we committed to NW, stepped up and fully supported crime prevention.”
Insp Breen said Casey police are looking for NW local champions to continue the crime preventative work.
“Above all else, it’s people being proactive and aware, looking out for their neighbours’ property and actually having each other’s backs.”
Currently NW groups operate in 57 out of the 79 municipalities in Victoria and by March that number may be forced to drop.
Casey NW secretary of 15 years Jennifer Baird and treasurer of 35 years 67-year-old Ken Bailey have said they are past their use-by dates.
“I need a break from treasury roles, I’m still going to stay on the committee, just give up my position as treasure,” Mr Bailey said.
“I’m very worried it will have to fold – membership numbers has always been a concern.”
Ms Baird, who has to give up her role due to her health, said members will assess if the community service “will have to call it quits” after their March meeting.
“I’m more concerned because I don’t think the young ones really understand the need for it,” she said.
A sad Ms Baird said installing a NW sign in Lyndhurst will be the group’s last job if they’re forced to close.
“The signs have had positive outcomes for estates and I think crime will increase without NW,” she said.
“Our signs deter people and I had feedback from Marriott Waters’ residents saying after the sign was installed the crime rate significantly dropped.”
Casey NW currently has 2000 home crime prevention packs which are due to be distributed.
To get involved in Casey NW phone Jennifer Baird on 9799 3326.
