Everybody needs good neighbours
BEING a good neighbour isn’t just about being friendly – it can also save lives.
That is the belief of Gold Coast District Neighbourhood Watch president Peter Barrett, who claims a return to a more caring society could prevent violent crimes.
Mr Barrett was horrified to read that neighbours of Southport shooting victim Scott James Morrison knew little about him.
He said it was indicative of how society had changed since Neighbourhood Watch began 30 years ago, with many people now living in a social media bubble.
“We are very keen on diminishing crime and domestic violence by people being aware of just what’s going on in their neighbourhood,” Mr Barrett said.
“If you’re going to live in society you need to be a part of it – you don’t have to be an active participant but at least say ‘hello’. If there are things that are untoward, report it (to Crime Stoppers or Police Link).
“It’s not dobbing a person in, it’s providing a piece of information which may in fact lead to solutions to a longer term issue or saving a life.”
Neighbourhood Watchplan to host more neighbour days, street barbecues and coffee catchups across the city’s 50 groups that stretch from Jacobs Well to Bilinga.
Gold Coast police Inspector Andrew Frick said Neighbourhood Watch was about communication and putting in strategies to reduce crime.
“It’s also about caring about each other, something that society nowadays may lack with the big tall fences,” he said. “When I grew up you had 4ft fences you could step over and all the kids played cricket and watched storms come through, now it’s all big fences and dogs and (being) security conscious.
“Any positive interaction with community and police has the potential to save lives.”
A Gold Coast Council spokesman said they supported local Neighbourhood Watch groups with free training sessions including CPR awareness, use of social media and accessing grants and funding opportunities.
“Meet our Street kits are available to groups including Neighbourhood Watch who wish to organise a local community event,” he said.
The Community Grants Program and Mayoral and Divisional Donations Program allows groups to apply for funding to support community initiatives. The 2018-19 program will open on February 12.