“Lock it Up Leopold” receives $8,300 funding

LEOPOLD Neighbourhood Watch has received $8,300 to deliver the ‘Lock it Up Leopold’ public awareness campaign.

Minister for Police and Bellarine MP Lisa Neville met LNW members at Gateway Plaza on Friday to make the campaign funding announcement, which will help reduce the risk of residential theft, and theft of and from motor vehicles.

“We know from local police that in many cases of theft in Leopold, owners have actually left their cars or backdoors to their homes unlocked – which is why community awareness is so important,” Ms Neville said.

“The Lock It Up, Leopold project is a timely reminder that residents can take some simple steps to reduce their likelihood of becoming a victim to
these type of crimes.

“We will continue to support organisations like Neighbourhood Watch in Leopold that are making a real difference to  helping to prevent crime and improving the safety of our local community.”

The Labor Government has delivered $30,000 in funding for four projects in the Geelong and Bellarine area, as a part of the latest round of Community Safety Fund grants.

The not-for-profit community organisation will use the funds to run an education and awareness campaign through a range of channels including brochures, newspaper advertising, social media and local real estate agencies.

The project will also encourage people to secure other areas of their residential property including letter boxes, garages and garden sheds and their personal property in public places, such as items left in motor vehicles.

Brochures encouraging residents to secure their homes and vehicles will be delivered to 5,200 homes across the suburb.

New residents will receive welcome kits from real estate agents, with a brochure, key ring and small padlock for their letterbox.

The organisation will also host displays at Leopold Gateway Plaza to raise awareness about the need for people to secure their personal property, homes and vehicles.

Neighbourhood Watch Leopold has identified that residential burglary and theft of and from motor vehicles in the Leopold area is an issue, particularly over the past 12 months, when applying for funding.

According to Crime Statistics Agency data from the year ending March 2018, there were a total of 158 offences of theft in Leopold, down from 188 offences recorded last year.

The Labor Government has delivered a $25 million crime prevention package to support communities, including funding for Neighbourhood Watch and Crime Stoppers to support their daily operations.