Latest Neighbourhood Watch News
Twenty-two volunteers and police officers from around South Australia received accolades at the 2024 Neighbourhood Watch (NHW) Awards held at Kooyonga Golf Course on 16 November.
Nominations were sought from across the NHW program and the winners were chosen by a panel comprising members of the South Australia Police NHW team and the NHW Volunteer Association of South Australia (VASA) Inc....
Neighbourhood Watch groups and other members of the community are encouraged to recognise International Day of People with Disability (IDPwD) on 3 December. The aim of IDPwD is to raise awareness, understanding and acceptance of the 5.5 million people with disability in Australia.
Each year the United Nations (UN) announces a theme for the day that gives a focus for society...
Simon Lloyd, Senior Constable First Class at Holden Hill Police Station in north eastern Adelaide, says Neighbourhood Watch (NHW) volunteers are the “eyes and ears of the community”.
Simon, who has been actively involved with (NHW) for more than six years, helps Dernancourt NHW by providing monthly crime reports and attending the group’s committee meetings held every three months.
He sees NHW...
A group of Victor Harbor High School students at risk of leaving school early or disengaging from school have improved their self-confidence and ability to tackle challenges thanks to attending a recent camp offering unique and adventurous learning activities.
The Noorla Yo-Long Blue Light Adventure Camp at Rendelsham in the Lower Limestone was provided free of charge to students in the...
After recently turning 101, Wilfred ‘Wilf’ Taylor decided it was time to step down from his role as a Neighbourhood Watch (NHW) volunteer after 30 years.
Wilf’s joined the Reynella Neighbourhood Watch group in 1997. From delivering newsletters to hosting crime prevention awareness events, he enjoyed ‘doing his bit’ for the community.
Wilf said he continues to encourage others to volunteer and...
Mark your calendars for Tuesday, 6 February 2024 – it’s Safer Internet Day!
Safer Internet Day is a global initiative that aims to raise awareness of online safety and promote safe and responsible use of online technology.
In 2023 Australians reported over 280,000 scams with a total of over $455,000,000 lost. The...
Each year Neighbourhood Watch SA (NHW) and SA Police express their appreciation for the valuable contributions that our volunteers and police officers provide to the NHW program, by hosting the annual Neighbourhood Watch SA Awards and Annual General Meeting (AGM).
This year the prestigious event was held on Saturday, 18 November...
Happy holidays from the Neighbourhood Watch SA team!
We would like to take this opportunity to thank the many volunteers involved with Neighbourhood Watch SA for their support, dedication, and commitment throughout the year to creating safe and connected communities all across South Australia.
The festive season is a special time of...
Scams Awareness Week is an annual event which aims to reduce the impact of scams by raising awareness and encouraging the public to talk about scams and report them.
This year Scams Awareness Week takes place from 27 November to 1 December, with this year’s theme targeting ‘impersonation scams’.
Anecdotally, approximately 80 per cent of...
Neighbourhood Watch Week is one of our most significant annual events – an enduring and well-respected week-long tradition showcasing Neighbourhood Watch to the wider community.
For the 6th consecutive year, Neighbourhood Watch Australasia are working together with Bunnings for a combined ‘Neighbourhood Watch Week and Crime Prevention Week’ to provide...
National Police Remembrance Day will be commemorated across Australia and the South West Pacific Region today to remember police officers who have made the supreme sacrifice while on duty, and honour their lasting legacy.
It's a day that holds significance for us as Neighbourhood Watch SA members who...
The festive season is fast approaching, and what better way to ring in the holiday cheer than a Christmas concert by the Band of the South Australia Police!
Mark your calendars for an evening that will leave you with a smile on your face and a heart...
Our friends at SA Police proudly announced Senior Constable Gary Wills as the 2023 South Australia Police Officer of the Year, awarded for ongoing support of young people north of Adelaide.
The annual award is coordinated and presented by the Rotary Club of Unley on behalf of the wider...
Save the date! National Secure Your Home Day will be held across two days this year, on Saturday 23 and Sunday 24 September!
National Secure Your Home Day is an initiative of Neighbourhood Watch Australasia which focuses on enhancing home security across Australia. Coinciding with Secure September, it offers...
Every year around tax time SA Police see an increase in scams involving the Australian Tax Office (ATO). Be wary of emails, phone calls, text messages and interactions on social media claiming to be from the ATO.
Scammers are impersonating the ATO and their employees across social media...
It’s that time of year again – the Neighbourhood Watch Volunteers Association of SA Inc. (NHW VASA) and SA Police are pleased to announce that nominations are now open for the highly anticipated 2023 NHW SA Awards!
We’re seeking nominations for NHW SA volunteers, NHW SA groups or...
“Neighbourhood Watch is a wonderful place to meet people that we would be unlikely to meet elsewhere.”
The Happy Valley and O’Halloran Hill Neighbourhood Watch Area recently celebrated Christmas in June at the Vines Golf Club in Reynella.
The group has traditionally celebrated together with an end of year...
Every day millions of people across the world embark on dangerous journeys for the sole purpose of finding safety and freedom. From Australia to nations across the globe, settling into a new environment after experiencing the perils of a refugee’s journey provides new opportunities and a new way of...
National Volunteer Week (NVW) marks an annual week of national celebration of volunteers within the community who freely give their time and skills to benefit others. This year’s events will commence on 15 May and conclude on 21 May.
The theme for this year’s NVW is ‘The...
Whyalla NHW Area 264 have been hard at work this October and November selling raffle tickets to raise funds for their local Foodbank. In efforts to support the local community, every December the group selects a local charity to make donations to.
The group were committed to the cause and attended the Whyalla Westlands...
Sometimes South Australian emergency services who attend your house to provide assistance may need to contact your next of kin or doctor/general practitioner to obtain instant and relevant details about you.
The new Safety and Assistance Fridge Magnet aims to support in these scenarios. The magnet is double sided - on...
Saturday 3 December is the United Nations observed ‘International Day of People with Disability’ (IDPWD). This year’s theme is ‘Transformative solutions for inclusive development: the role of innovation in fuelling an accessible and equitable world’.
Challenge the way you think about disability and help grow a more inclusive Australia and Neighbourhood...
On Saturday, 19 November 2022, SA Police and the Neighbourhood Watch Volunteers Association of SA (NHW VASA) held the 2022 Neighbourhood Watch Awards and Annual General Meeting (AGM).
Every year NHW and SA Police recognise and express their appreciation for the valuable contribution, enthusiasm and...
The combined Neighbourhood Watch Week and Crime Prevention Week, that ran during 7 to 13 November saw informative crime prevention events being held at multiple Bunnings stores and other shopping precincts across South Australia. Many NHW groups and SA Police from the Northern, Eastern, Southern and Western Districts...
Scams Awareness Week is an annual campaign that aims to reduce the impact of scams by helping consumers identify and avoid scams. This year’s theme is ‘How to spot a scam’.
Scams cost Australian consumers, businesses and the economy hundreds of millions of dollars each year and...
Bike owners!
SAPOL would like to bring to your attention the ‘Bike Passport’ and accompanying flyer ‘Don’t Lose it Lock it’.
The ‘Bike Passport’ provides tips to reduce your chances of becoming a victim of bike theft. You can record details of your bike on the Passport, and even attach a photo. Completing the ‘Bike Passport’ will assist police...
Nominations to the Neighbourhood Watch Volunteers Association of SA Board of Management are now open! If you feel like you have what it takes to support and progress the Neighbourhood Watch program or know someone that could, please submit a nomination today! Any registered member of the Association can be...
On Sunday 16 October, the NHW Southern Community Showcase took place at Wilfred Taylor Reserve in Morphett Vale. It was a beautiful day with the sun shining and all attendees in high spirits.
Organised by Reynella NHW group, the event provided local organisations with an opportunity to meet with the community...
The Neighbourhood Watch Volunteers Association of SA Inc. (NHW VASA) and South Australia Police are pleased to announce the return of the Neighbourhood Watch SA Awards and AGM!
Following a two-year hiatus due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the event is back and we’re inviting all NHW members, volunteers and supporters to join us for...
South Australia Police (SAPOL) has announced the winner of the 2022 South Australia Police Officer of the Year as Superintendent Mark Syrus from Yorke Mid North Local Service Area.
South Australia Police Officer of the Year is an annual award coordinated and presented by the Rotary Club of Unley on behalf...
Neighbourhood Watch SA has teamed up with South Australia Police (SAPOL) to host a stall at the 2022 Let’s Go Caravan and Camping Show.
Taking place at the Adelaide Showgrounds through Wednesday 27 - Sunday 31 July, the Neighbourhood Watch and SAPOL teams are prepared for all your safety and crime...
Get Online Week event grants are now open for applications!
Offered by Good Things Foundation Australia through the Be Connected program, the $1,000 grants are available for organisations to host a digital skills event for their community between 17 - 23 October 2022.
These grants could be used...
According to new research from The Australian National University, good neighbours are good for your health!
The research found that neighbourhood relationships and social connections protected people against loneliness, depression and anxiety during the COVID-19 pandemic.
"People generally are much less likely to report symptoms of depression, anxiety and loneliness...
Nominations are now open for the 2022 South Australia Police Officer of the Year award!
Presented annually since 1978 by the Rotary Club of Unley, the award seeks to increase awareness of the policing role in the community and offers an opportunity for community members to recognise an outstanding and committed...
Neighbourhood Police Officer, Constable Chelsea McKinnon and a number of Mount Gambier community members are calling on local residents to join them in starting a new Neighbourhood Watch group.
A small group of local business owners, who feel a NHW group would help the well-being of the community, have organised a...
Are you a part of a program that is helping to prevent crime and violence in Australia, something like Neighbourhood Watch SA perhaps?
If it's a yes, the Australian Institute of Criminology wants to hear from you!
Nominations for the 2022 Australian Crime and Violence Prevention...
Stirling North NHW group and SA Police were recently in action, painting house numbers on the kerbs of Progress and Kanyaka Avenues.
Helping the local community and emergency services by ensuring they can quickly identify houses in critical moments, the kerb numbers had been starting to fade and so the proactive...
The SA Police Historical Society is holding Open Days this Saturday (21 May) and Sunday (22 May), 1-4:00pm. Taking place at the SA Police Museum at Thebarton Police Barracks, everyone is invited to tour the museum to learn about SAPOL’s rich history.
Usually the museum is only open to booked, guided...
The latest issue of the SA Police Blueprint magazine is out now! The new issue is available online via the Issuu website.
This issue includes a range of stories focusing on the hard work and dedication of individuals, the feats and triumphs of teams and the...
Today is World Password Day! Celebrate the day by adopting good password practices.
Passwords provide the first line of defence against unauthorised access to your devices and personal information. The stronger your password, the more protected your device will be from hackers and malicious software. You should maintain strong passwords for all of your...
Hope Valley/Highbury NHW group’s founding member, Gunter Vogel has sadly passed away, aged 94, on 20 March 2022.
Known affectionately as ‘Mac’, he was dedicated to the ideals of Neighbourhood Watch, starting the Hope Valley/Highbury group in 1990.
As the group’s Secretary he performed many jobs and tasks to maintain the group....
To celebrate Neighbour Day, Neighbourhood Watch SA (NHW) has created new ‘Hello Neighbour’ calling cards.
The calling cards can be used as a way of introducing neighbours to each other while promoting NHW and safety in the community. Neighbours can write a short message on the calling card and then post...
SA Police has seen a recent increase in fraudulent advertisements for puppies online. Scammers’ tactics are extremely sophisticated which often leaves even the most vigilant people out of pocket.
Typically, a scammer will create a website that looks legitimate and post photos of puppies for sale, using language that feels genuine....
With the 2022 AFL season kicking off this weekend, and the Adelaide Fringe in full swing, SA Police and Neighbourhood Watch have launched a new initiative that aims to keep vulnerable people safe while attending events – the safety and assistance wristband.
At events, as well as enjoyment, community safety is...
Inspirational citizens were recognised and celebrated last week at Whyalla’s annual community awards ceremony. As part of the celebrations, longstanding Neighbourhood Watch Volunteers Association of SA (NHW VASA) Board of Management member, Ben Williams was awarded with a Community Service Award.
Ben has been a long-time volunteer for Neighbourhood Watch SA,...
Please be advised that the Neighbourhood Watch Annual Awards Ceremony which was due to take place on Saturday 19 February 2022 has been postponed due to the current COVID-19 situation.
SA Police and the NHW Team would like to thank the many NHW volunteers and police officers who submitted nominations for...
From today, firearms licence holders will be able to view their licences digitally on the mySA GOV app. Members of the public can currently access driver's licences, proof of age, and boat licences and a number of other licences and digital passes on the app.
Firearm licencees will be able to...
Last week Neighbourhood Watch SA (NHW) celebrated and proactively promoted Neighbourhood Watch Week 2021. Groups across the state held celebratory public events to raise awareness of the benefits of belonging to a local NHW group while encouraging participation in the program.
This year, Neighbourhood Watch Australasia partnered with Bunnings Warehouse...
Scams Awareness Week is a national campaign, that aims to reduce the impact of scams by raising awareness and encouraging the public to talk about them.
Taking place between 8-12 November 2021, the week aims to educate and empower consumers to protect their personal and financial information...
Do you know someone who deserves to be recognised for their efforts in supporting the Neighbourhood Watch SA (NHW) program? If so, please nominate them for a prestigious NHW Award!
Nomination forms and the associated NHW Awards and Recognition Policy (which both provide easy to follow instructions about the nomination process)...
To combat the threat of bushfires this summer SA Police, supported by Neighbourhood Watch SA (NHW), has re-launched its bushfire prevention campaign - ‘Why Risk It?’.
Developed in collaboration with the SA Country Fire Service it puts a spotlight on the regulations around those seemingly harmless activities that can accidentally start...
Neighbourhood Watch (NHW) Week 2021 takes place 8-14 November and aims to raise public awareness of the benefits of belonging to a local NHW group while encouraging participation in the program.
This year, Neighbourhood Watch Australasia has partnered with Bunnings Warehouse to celebrate the week in style. Bunnings stores across...
In early 1989 a group of Gawler East community members met in Gawler Town Hall to discuss their Adelaide Hills suburb. As proactive and caring individuals, they dreamed of a connected, safe and proud area. Quickly two small but determined Neighbourhood Watch SA (NHW) groups formed - Gawler East 111...
The Neighbourhood Watch SA (NHW) team recently travelled to Clare to see the local group’s graffiti removal project in action. The group have been committed to cause, having started the project 10 years ago and gave us great insight into how the operation works.
It was a beautiful spring day with...
On Monday 23rd August, Para Hills Neighbourhood Watch SA group (Area 441) came together with the wider community to celebrate their 25th anniversary.
Taking place at Para Hills Community Club and following all COVID regulations and protocols, attendees gathered for a very special occasion with VIP speeches,...
Bikes can provide you with a great way to get from A to B. Usually more affordable than a car or motorbike, they’re also very good for the environment and your physical fitness, but with these positives comes interest from potential thieves.
We sat down with Senior Constable...
WORLD PHOTO DAY: A History of NHW SA Through Photographs
Around for 36 incredible years, the Neighbourhood Watch SA (NHW) program has been on a fascinating journey!
On this World Photo Day we decided to dig through the archives, finding old photos that help bring that journey to life.
Here’s what we found…
1985...
As we spend more time at home to stop the spread of COVID-19, it’s easy to forget our daily activity routine. We’re no longer getting incidental exercise from commuting or running errands, and some of us are doing less to engage our minds. But it’s especially important to stay active...
Your home and its contents are probably your most valuable assets, and although you might feel it may never happen to you, house break-ins are a reality.
SA Police is committed to preventing these types of offences and catching those who commit them, but you can prevent your property becoming an...
What3words is a platform that has divided the world into three metre square segments, and then given each square a unique combination of three words.
In using what3words someone can give their exact location easily, by going to the what3word website or app, activating it, and then sharing the...
Who doesn’t love a three-day weekend? You reach Sunday night and wait for the blues to kick in, suddenly remembering it’s the Queen’s Birthday! Another chance at a day off. How awesome is that!
There’s loads you could get up to with that extra day, something as simple as getting...
On Sunday 30 May, Broadview and Collinswood Neighbourhood Watch group hosted a community pruning day, in partnership with Prospect Local Environment Group (PLEG) at Broadview Community Garden.
To celebrate World Environment Day, which takes place today, local residents were invited, along with their secateurs and shears, to...
Reconciliation is a journey for all of us as individuals, communities, and as an organisation. It is about strengthening respectful relationships between Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and the broader Australian community through our hearts, minds and actions.
It is a time for us to learn about our shared histories,...
Did you know that this time last week it was World Password Day? The first Thursday in May serves as an annual reminder for us to check and update our passwords.
To help you stay safe online, here are four simple things you can do right now to help you improve...
Hope Valley & Highbury Neighbourhood Watch SA group (3, Area 222) celebrated its 30+1 anniversary yesterday with a celebratory dinner at the Highbury Hotel. The official 30th birthday was in May last year but due to COVID restrictions the group was unable to celebrate. They did so in style late...
SA Youth Week is South Australia’s biggest celebration for young people aged 12-25.
Running from Sunday 2 May to Sunday 9 May, the annual celebration week provides a unique platform to recognise the contribution of young people to our communities while aiming to empower our youth to make a difference to...
Today, South Australia Police (SAPOL), with the support of the South Australian Police Historical Society, celebrates Foundation Day. On the same date in 1838 a Police Inspector, 10 Mounted Constables and 10 Foot Constables were sworn in as the first members of the South Australia Police, the first centrally organised...
Cybercriminals are constantly evolving their tactics; tailoring their means and methods to current world events. As the COVID-19 vaccination is rolled out across South Australia, we’re anticipating that scammers will use this opportunity to send out fraudulent offers, designed to steal your identity.
It is important to remember that the COVID-19...
Neighbourhood Watch SA believes in a safe and connected community. At the centre of any community are the local stores and businesses. They support you while also enriching your life in various ways. It’s therefore incredibly important to keep them safe.
Unfortunately local stores and businesses can be a target for...
Are you a Holden or Ford supporter? Or do you lean towards Fiat? Tesla? Maybe Toyota?
For thieves, it doesn’t matter. Any make or model of vehicle can be a target for theft.
Vehicles are usually stolen for either immediate use, to be used in another crime later, or stolen to be...
If you travel or holiday in our state and use a caravan or recreational vehicle (RV) for your accommodation then this is essential reading.
SA Police has created a new Caravan and Recreational Vehicle Security booklet, in partnership with Neighbourhood Watch SA and the Caravan...
Knowing how to safely handle food is paramount to enjoying any meal, from a gourmet degustation to a simple NHW BBQ in the local park. Did you know there is FREE training available to anyone who wishes to make sure they are doing things right with food,...