The concept of Neighbourhood Watch is not new - in fact, I recently discovered that the concept is in fact - very, very old! In the information the Qld Police Service send out to those who intend starting a new Neighbourhood Watch Group, I found this ...
NHW is not a new idea. The concepts can be traced back to the 12th century in England. Communities had no police as we currently know them. As a result, they were forced to band together in groups and in doing so, became responsible for policing their community.
Since these times, we have progressed to a stage now where we ask communities to band together again, as they did in days of old, not to police their community, but to work in partnership with police for a safer community.
NHW commenced in Australia in 1983, with a number of programs instigated in Victoria. The first pilot program commenced in Queensland some three years later in 1986. The first official program in Queensland began in July 1988. Since then, NHW areas have steadily increased in number.
The main aim of NHW is, as it was in 12th century England, to reduce crime in a particular area, and in doing so, create a safer environment in which to live.
The 12th century! That's is a might long time ago - I just Googled '12th century England' and clicked on 'images' and it's amazing to see how rudimentary life was ... I am adding some 12th Century England images to this post so you too can get a 'feel' for the ages that have passed between then and now... :)Dominique - Area Coordinator
