Neighbourhood Watch Praised by Minister for Crime-Fighting Work

Police and Corrective Services Minister Judy Spence has praised volunteers for their continued dedication to ensuring a safer community through the Neighbourhood Watch Program.

Recently Ms Spence attended an annual mid-year barbecue to recognise the work of the seven Neighbourhood Watch groups based in the Logan Central area. Ms Spence said the Neighbourhood Watch program enabled the community to act as the 'eyes and ears' of police, assisting police in tackling local crime. "Neighbourhood Watch is one of the best-known examples of strong and effective community-policing partnerships," Ms Spence said.

"Police rely on information that is passed on from members in the community who are looking out for each other, which also helps to build a sense of community spirit. Neighbourhood Watch started in Queensland in 1988 on the Gold Coast, and we now have more than 700 Neighbourhood Watch areas throughout the state. There are now approximately 1.4 million Queenslanders living in a Neighbourhood Watch area." Ms Spence said.

Ms Spence congratulated the seven Logan Central Neighbourhood Watch groups for their commitment to keeping their community safe. "These volunteers from the Logan and Woodridge areas freely commit much of their time to the Neighbourhood Watch Program deserve the gratitude of all members of their community," Ms Spence said.

"It is heartening to know there are people in our communities still willing to take on the responsibility, in conjunction with local police, of enhancing the safety of our neighbourhoods.The Neighbourhood Watch Program allows local residents to develop strong community support and networks and in turn, foster a sense of community spirit. Crime is decreasing across the state in most categories, and the Logan District is no exception," Ms Spence said.

Commissioner Bob Atkinson commended the volunteers for their tireless work for the community and urged them to continue their support of police through the Neighbourhood Watch Program.