Neighbourhood Watch is a family of programs aimed at making individuals aware of crime prevention initiatives and activities. The programs include Marine Watch, Neighbourhood Watch, Rural Watch and School Watch.

The Western Australia Police is the ‘custodian’ of the programs and is committed to a program of continual improvement.

Neighbourhood Watch

Neighbourhood Watch is a community based program aimed at reducing the incidence of preventable crime and preserving your way of life.

A Police Officer on patrol may not know what is normal in your street and may not recognise a stranger in your yard. You and your neighbours are in a position to observe and report anything of a suspicious nature to Police.

Most neighbours already observe activities in their street, particularly if it is not normal, however many people do not do anything about suspicious activities because they do not know what to do or if their neighbours would appreciate their involvement.

Neighbourhood Watch is protection of your property and way of life through communication and co-operation between neighbours. It is not a vigilante group. Any action required will be handled by the Police.

More information about Neighbourhood Watch

Marine Watch

The Marine Watch program complements Neighbourhood Watch in coastal communities and marine environments. The program is coordinated by Water Police who work in conjunction with the Community Safety Branch.

Coastal Police Stations have a designated Local Marine Liaison Officer. This officer is responsible for encouraging the community to report unusual or suspicious marine activity and to provide a greater police presence in marine communities.

More information about Marine Watch

Rural Watch

Rural Watch is aimed at reducing the incidence of preventable crime and preserving your way of life in rural and regional Western Australia. The principles of Neighbourhood Watch apply but are tailored to suit the needs of rural communities. It includes crime prevention information about livestock theft, farmhouse security, fuel tank security, identification of tools, farm equipment and machinery.

More information about Rural Watch

School Watch

School Watch is a partnership between the Western Australia Police and Department of Education and Training, and is closely linked to the Neighbourhood Watch program.

School Watch is a community-based crime prevention awareness program developed to improve safety and security in Western Australian schools by reducing theft, vandalism and arson. School Watch encourages crime prevention awareness among local school communities, staff and students to protect educational sites and resources.

More information about School Watch