From State Office

It's hard to believe that another year is almost over. They just seem to get shorter each year.

With the holiday period ready to commence, now is definitely the time to look at ways to protect ourselves against crime.

If you are going away make sure your home has the lived-in look by leaving a light or two on around the house, cancelling papers and milk, having your mail collected. Letting your trusted neighbours know that you will be away is one of the best ways to protect your house. Of course don't forget to securely lock up, and lock away bins or anything that can be used as a makeshift ladder.

At this time of the year it is also poignant to refect back on the success of the program. Firstly, a welcome to the 20 new Neighbourhood Watches who took up the challenge this year to make our communities a safer place to live.

To all of our existing NHW areas that continued to fly the NHW flag I thank you for your dedication and commitment. The program can only succeed when our members actively incorporate the objectives of the program into their daily lives and give a little time to assist their local NHW. Remember the saying - 'Many hands make light work'. If you can spare a bit of time, why not take on a role within the program. You will not only contribute to the improvement of local area, but will also enrich your own self through such a worthy cause.

On behalf of the NHW State office I wish you all a happy and safe holiday period and look forward to the continued growth of the NHW Program in 2005.