Neighbourhood Watch on the move to Nightcliff police station
The Nightcliff Police Station might be light on for police, but a well-known crime-busting organisation is moving there – and it has grand plans.
Northern Territory
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Community crime-busting organisation Neighbourhood Watch NT is responding to the Territory-wide crime wave with new leadership, a new direction and a brand new administrative office at Nightcliff Police Station.
High-profile Property Council NT boss Ruth Palmer has been appointed Neighbourhood Watch NT’s new president and Veronica Larson has been promoted from an executive officer position to the organisation’s chief executive, based in Alice Springs.
In acknowledgment of Alice Springs’ ongoing crime crisis, the position of southern commander has been elevated to a chief executive role.
Zuccoli IGA owner Shellie Lay remains a director.
And the organisation is relocating from Parap to the under-utilised Nightcliff police station, which was originally designed as a 24-7 facility with more than 100 officers – but today only hosts school-based constables and the Territory Safety Division.
Often its doors are locked by 4pm.
Ms Palmer, who has campaigned for more to be done to combat crime in her role with the Property Council, will continue to push for action in her new job.
“The importance of Neighbourhood Watch in the Territory has never been greater,” she said. “We are enhancing our outreach, not only in urban areas but also in remote communities through increased social media engagement and up-to-date campaigns.
“As Neighbourhood Watch continues its decades-long tradition of community service, we reaffirm our mission to provide relevant crime prevention and safety information to all residents of the Territory.”
She said the organisation’s new Top End base would be more visitor friendly.
“The new building is a keys facility so we can receive visitors in the foyer,” she said.
Under the new leadership, Neighbourhood Watch wants to intensify its community support and educational services.
It will look at expanding its funding sources, exploring all available grant opportunities and developing partnerships with local organisations and government bodies to enhance community safety.
Ms Larson said Neighbourhood Watch had an important role to play enhancing community safety and cohesion, and that her appointment as chief executive acknowledges the situation in Alice Springs.
“The elevation of our southern command role to a chief executive position underscores our commitment to Central Australia, while our team in Darwin continues to support the Top End,” Ms Larson said.
The latest NT crime statistics showed that in February there were 902 crimes against the person and 2483 property crimes reported to police.
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Originally published as Neighbourhood Watch on the move to Nightcliff police station
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