Its one of 13 committees across the Hunter with the unprecedented ability to share information via social media.

“It’s been 10 years since it collapsed in Medowie, after the police withdrew funding for the liaison officer,” chairman of the Medowie watch and former councillor Geoff Dingle said.

“What will make Neighbourhood Watch a success again is that people are prepared to meet and share information.

“The crime stats are already pretty good and Neighbourhood Watch will only help and build that sense of community.”  

Neighbourhood Watch is a community-based, crime prevention organisation that aims to reduce localised crime and fear of crime by promoting and coordinating approaches to crime prevention, problem solving and community engagement.

The NSW Police Force first supported Neighbourhood Watch in 1984 but its only one of a range of crime prevention and community safety strategies currently in use within NSW.

Port Stephens Local Area Commander, Acting Superintendent Wayne Humphrey said Neighbourhood Watch helped raise awareness about various police programs and how they can benefit residents.

“Police have worked closely with Neighbourhood Watch throughout their nearly 30-year history across Australia, and we are proud to continue that partnership,” he said.

“Neighbourhood Watch programs aim to prevent crime, reduce isolation by encouraging community engagement and improve the safety, security and quality of life for everyone in the community. Local officers can then work with the program to get a broader understanding of what issues local residents are facing and how we can work together to find a solution.”

Mr Dingle said Neighbourhood Watch had already helped foster a stronger sense of community, in the past month since it first formed.

“One of the nicest things to have happened is the Halloween map,” he said.

“We’ll produce a map that will list all the safe homes for trick-or-treaters to go to.”

Medowie Neighbourhood Watch has set itself the challenge to find out who damaged the benches at the park beside the Community Centre.

Earlier this month it set up a stand at the Medowie Markets to raise some money.

Proceeds will help the group buy portable security cameras that community members will be able to borrow to catch thieves in the act.

For more information on Neighbourhood Watch visit www.nhwa.com.au.