AFTER many years of keeping an ear to the ground and an eye on our streets the Inverell branch of Neighbourhood Watch called it a day at their April meeting.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
The watch was established in Inverell in 1987, and for more than two decades members kept police informed about what was happening on the streets in their neighbourhoods.
Technology caught up with the organisation after the NSW Police Force tested and then established ‘Project Eyewatch’ on a Facebook pages. The New England Local Area Command (LAC) has an Eyewatch site, as does the Rural Crime Unit.
Neighbourhood Watch president Des Clark said he wished to thank all the dedicated members and business houses for their support throughout the years.
“Without all this support and fundraising activities, Neighbourhood Watch would not have been able to continue in Inverell,” Mr Clark said.
“In this age of technology, we must accede to the wishes of the constabulary, where Project Eyewatch replaces Neighbourhood Watch.
“We trust that Inverell and surrounding district residents will remain vigilant in attempts to keep our town safe and trouble free, and if (they) are not computer owners or Facebook correspondents they will still report incidents and concerns to police by phone.”
The New England LAC launched its Facebook site on January 24, 2012, while the Rural Crime Unit site came into existence about three months later on April 18, 2012. Both sites clearly state crimes should not be reported on them and provide hyperlinks to other police sites, such as Crime Stoppers, for anyone who might wish to do so.
