Missed the meeting?

Read about it in the newsletter.

Up to 36 volunteers distribute 4000 copies to homes across the Eastlakes area every month, as far as Jewells in the north and Marks Point in the south.

But if you’re not in those areas you’re out of luck – the Belmont Neighbourhood Watch is the only remaining of its kind in Eastlakes.

The Neighbourhood Watch program acts as a crime-prevention scheme, aiming to lessen the communication gap between the com-munity and police.

Self funded and volunteer based, the groups can be an alternative or a go-between with police.

The Belmont group frequently liaise with local crime prevention officer Julie Perry and point out areas of concern.

Coordinator Deadre Ham says the Belmont group started back in 1986, and has continued to stay afloat, despite the collapse of well-established groups in surrounding areas, notably the once notoriously proactive Adamstown group.

“We have a good relationship with police and council.

“It is fortunate the Belmont area has a strong sense of community, we don’t have any trouble getting people to advertise.”

Senior constable Tony Tamplin says the demise of Neighbourhood Watch in other areas basically came down to a lack of public interest and changing social trends.

“People’s priorities have changed. It was talked about with great gutso in the 80s, but as per usual, people eventually loose interest.

“Either that or people move away or pass away.”

Neighbourhood Watch newsletter distr-ibutor Beth Cockerell says despite only a handful of people at the meetings, many people are eager to read the newsletter.

“We get a warm, friendly reception when we deliver them.

“It encourages people to keep an eye on things, and a friendly neighbourhood atmosphere.”