RESIDENTS living in Renmark crime hot-spots are being urged to join the town’s Neighbourhood Watch branch.
The group is holding its first 2021 meeting next week and organisers say those in higher-risk areas of town have extra incentive to join.
“Petty crime, such as thefts from cars, broken windows, those opportunistic crimes where you see cars unlocked, or doors or windows open, are still prevalent and constant,” said Neighbourhood Watch Renmark area co-ordinator, Nectaria Richter.
“I’ve found that petty crime seems to be concentrated in the same sort of areas.
“We’ve been putting our newsletters in Sims Parade (off Twenty-first Street, Renmark) and the last two times we’ve distributed newsletters they’ve actually asked for more.
“So, we hope that generates interest in that area, to perhaps come to our meetings and voice their concerns.”
Ms Richter said the Neighbourhood Watch forum could also help tackle domestic violence.
“While that’s not crime prevention, it’s generating interest from the community to report things or to be more vigilant about what’s happening with your neighbour, or down the street,” she said.
Guest speaker at next week’s meeting is Senior Constable Paul Woods, from SA Police’s Riverland Crime Prevention Unit.
“The talk will discuss and cover issues concerning community safety as a whole and points on preventing crime,” Ms Richter said.
“The committee welcomes everyone to the meetings and values the community’s input.
“Renmark Neighbourhood Watch members urge the community to support local volunteer groups such as theirs and work together for a safer community.”
Ms Richter – area co-ordinator for the past three years – said the group still plays an important role on the local community landscape.
“We still get people who say they didn’t know we had a Neighbourhood Watch,” she said.
“But having a Neighbourhood Watch means there’s another community other than police who are interested in crime prevention and safety of the community, and also it can be an in-between or an advocate for the community with issues.
“Things like lighting, for example, we can take back to the police.”
A SAPOL representative attends every Renmark Neighbourhood Watch meeting and presents incident reports.
The Renmark branch’s first meeting of 2021 will be held at the Renmark Paringa Council chambers on Thursday, March 18, from 7.30pm. All are invited.