Residents rally against community crime

LIVING in Winter Valley until recently, Phil Derbyshire noticed crime was a common occurrence in the growth area.

The issue came close to home for him when the property he was staying was in broken into twice within two months.

“Before that, I’d never had a break-in or anything like that, so it was like oh my god, I can’t believe it’s a real thing that actually happens,” he said.

“It feels so real when it happens to you.”

The incidents prompted Mr Derbyshire to rally residents together to establish an informal neighbourhood watch with the aim of having everyone watch each other’s backs.

“If we all get together and coordinate things with cameras and know who’s up at night to check on things, it’ll make it so much easier to keep tabs on things,” he said.

Since starting the initiative late last month, Mr Derbyshire has developed a list of home security cameras in the region to look over following any incidents, while others have volunteered to conduct regular nighttime patrols.

Watch members are also looking into funding to hire security contractors.

A meeting for the neighbourhood watch is being organised, potentially at the Robin Hood Hotel, with the aim of holding meetups every six months afterwards.

Mr Derbyshire said he feels collaboration within the community is already making a difference.

“There is seemingly a bit more hope,” he said. “On the practical side, it’s much easier now to get information out there for us.

“For example, we had a Jeep stolen the other day and we could see where it had been. It resulted in a crash and the lady who stole it is caught.

“My main concern with the group is that it’s very easy to cross over into dangerous territory in dealing with thieves. Safety is definitely a priority. It’s about that practical vigilance.”