THE Leeton Neighbourhood Watch Committee will be doing more than just keeping an eye out for crime in the shire.
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The organisation held its first official meeting on Tuesday night, with 20 residents so far signed up to be part of the committee.
Those members will be responsible for gathering information on issues that are happening the shire regarding criminal activity, bringing them back to the group and discussing with police.
Another aim will be to educate the community on the need to report any kind of criminal behaviour.
Committee chairman Mark Norvall said that was a crucial component.
“We need people to report something if they think it is suspicious,” he said. “Otherwise, how will the police know what’s going on?
“It could prevent something from happening. The more we report these things, the more statistics there are on file.
“In the long run that could mean those higher up look at Leeton and think ‘okay, perhaps they need more officers on the ground there’.”
The committee was formed following a public meeting last month, which was attended by about 80 community members and representatives from the Griffith Local Area Command, Leeton Shire Council and the Leeton Chamber of Commerce and Industry.
Mr Norvall said while the amount of crime taking place in Leeton shire recently had been a talking point, he was hopeful the committee would also act as a deterrent.
“Hopefully it shows that we are out there, we’re watching and we will be pro-active,” he said.
“We want people to know if they are doing something wrong they will be caught. The shire has had enough of what’s been going on and have taken a stand.”
The committee will soon be holding a membership and fund-raising drive to assist with getting its name out there, as well as the purchasing of stickers that will display information on what residents should do should they need to report a crime or suspicious activity.
The committee will meet once a month, with Mr Norvall to also attend quarterly meetings with council and the police.
For more information or to become a member contact Mr Norvall. The next meeting will be held on March 1 at the library from 7pm.
We want people to know if they are doing something wrong they will be caught.
- Committee chairman Mark Norvall