Watching the detectives

– Nicole Williams
NEIGHBOURHOOD crims had better watch their backs if the Coalition is successful at the State Election.
Casey’s Neighbourhood Watch program will receive a boost after the Coalition Opposition committed $550,000 to Neighbourhood Watch programs in Victoria if elected in November
Liberal candidate for Narre Warren North Michelle Frazer said the funding would enhance Neighbourhood Watch’s role in the Casey community and increase statewide crime prevention activities to make Victoria safer.
The funding will be provided over four years and will fund new state headquarters and a manager.
Despite Mr Frazer’s push for a greater role of neighbourhood watch, the sitting MP for the area said crime in the area decreased in Casey in recent years.
Narre Warren North MP, Luke Donnellan said the commitment was concerning as the Liberal Party was likely to blow the budget with the number of promises being made.
“Overall crime has decreased in Casey each year since I have been a state member of Parliament, which I am very proud of,” Mr Donnellan said.
Ms Frazer said Neighbourhood Watch volunteers are powerful grassroot crime fighters.
A Coalition Government has also committed to restoring access to street-by-street crime statistics for local Neighbourhood Watch groups.