Starting with the first ‘Watch’ at Risdon Vale in 1986, the community-led crime prevention organisation has now grown to more than 50 groups across the state.
Neighbourhood Watch Tasmania President and State Co-ordinator, Peter Edwards, said the Watch served as the eyes and ears in the community and to inform police of anti-social behaviour and criminal activity.
“I say we exist to help communities help themselves,” Mr Edwards said.
“We can’t expect the police to be everywhere, so we ask what can we do that can make a difference – collectively and individually?
“We can’t help everyone, but everyone can help someone.”
Neighbourhood Watch Tasmania will celebrate its 40-year anniversary with a ceremony at the Tasmania Police Academy, at Rokeby, on Saturday, 17 October.
Mr Edwards, a retired Tasmania Police officer, stepped into the president role in 2019 and knows from experience the positive impact to a community when neighbours look out for one another.
“The purpose of Neighbourhood Watch is to improve the quality of life for all Tasmanians, by helping to minimise preventable crime and promote good community relationships – particularly with the police,” he said.
“Research has identified that an active Neighbourhood Watch group can help to minimise crime and offending by up to 26 per cent, and the presence of our signage and activities helps to increase the sense of safety and security in our neighbourhoods.”
Tasmania Police Commander Joanne Stolp said Neighbourhood Watch remains as relevant today as it was 40 years ago.
“This is such a valuable and trusted partnership, with information and advice flowing between Tasmania Police and the community,” Commander Stolp said.
“Neighbourhood Watch groups across the state are helping to build stronger and safer communities. And when it comes to suspicious and unlawful behaviour, please speak up on what you see and hear. Every bit of advice has the potential to help police, to help the community.”
Mr Edwards said members of Neighbourhood Watch Tasmania could be justly proud of the 40-year milestone.
“It started in 1986 after a public meeting arranged by Clarence councillor, Dr Michael Readett and ABC personality, Sue Becker, who had been impressed by the success of the movement in Victoria and Western Australia,” Mr Edwards said.
“The vote was unanimous and Police Commissioner Max Robinson appointed then Inspector John Woolley, to start the program in Tasmania, with the first Watch at Risdon Vale.
“It started with many independent groups having regular meetings, in the era before the modern communications methods we use today. Some groups still meet regularly, while others use social media to share information.”
Neighbourhood Watch Tasmania conducts regular events to promote being a good neighbour.
“One of our flagship events is hosting Cuppa With A Cop. This is a two-way street. It puts our community members in touch with police officers in non-police, or social, setting. But it also provides the venue for the police to better engage with community members,” Mr Edwards said.
A further key activity is the annual calendar drawing competition in which children are encouraged to show what it takes to be a good neighbour and drawings are published in an annual calendar.
