(Cam Lee/northeastNOW)

By Cam Lee

Neighbourhood Watch

Guidance, volunteers needed for Melfort Neighbourhood Watch program

Sep 24, 2024 | 10:34 AM

The Melfort Neighbourhood Watch program is looking to take the next step, but a meeting on Monday may have pumped the brakes on that idea.

Organizers of the meeting looked to get input on what the program should look like going forward, and how it could expand and perhaps become an official non-profit organization in the future.

The groundswell has been significant for the program, as their Facebook page has over 600 followers. However, Monday’s meeting was poorly attended.

“It sure is important for people to actually come to the meetings,” organizer Dawn Quinn told northeastNOW. “We need volunteers of all kinds in order to make the group happen. The Facebook page has been phenomenal, but we really, really need the physical people on the ground.”

The crowd was larger during the organization’s first meeting, as about 50 people came to the Kerry Vickar Centre in April to learn more about Neighbourhood Watch.

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Quinn said the organization will start small, by handing out stickers and pamphlets door-to-door to let people know what the Neighbourhood Watch program is all about. Several volunteers at the meeting stepped forward to offer their services to canvas Melfort neighbourhoods to hand out those items.

“All of the volunteers will have ID tags showing that they’re with the Neighbourhood Watch and we’ll see where it goes from there,” said Quinn. She added they would like to see the organization grow to the point they could offer safety programs and provide some educational materials to children in schools.

Quinn said there are many people that talk about crime in the community and complain about vehicles being rifled through or people trying to break into garages. She believes that’s what makes establishing a Neighbourhood Watch program so important.

“If we don’t come together and do something to prevent it or to combat it, then it will get worse.”

Neighbourhood Watch volunteers are expected to keep an eye out and report any suspicious activities or crimes occurring to the police, and not engage or put themselves in danger.

Quinn said they will continue to post on their Facebook page, and people are welcome to join. The organization will post tips on home security and safety, and Quinn recommends people get cameras for their homes if they can for their peace-of-mind, and to help assist police in case of any nearby incidents.

She said the cameras also act as a deterrent, and she hopes the Neighbourhood Watch program stickers will soon be a deterrent as well.

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Cam.lee@pattisonmedia.com

On X: @northeastNOW_SK