Bryan Ward - Neighbours

Know your neighbours.

The most important action you can take to make your place safer is to know your neighbours. Exchange contact details, discuss your crime and safety concerns and decide what you would do in an emergency.

Let neighbours know when you are going to be away. Swap holiday addresses and phone numbers.

Let each other know if visitors or tradespeople will be in your house while you are away.

Be a good neighbour.

If your neighbours are away, you can help them by making their house look 'lived in'.

• Turn on lights at night.
• Close curtains at night and open them during the day.
• Mow lawns.
• Clear mail, especially junk mail and newspapers.
• Use their clothesline or driveway.
• Keep an eye on their house and walk around it once a day to check it is secure.

Question strangers, but don't say the neighbours are away. Write down their description and note the time and date. If you need help writing a description, visit the Neighbourhood Support website for a fact sheet.

Write down the registration numbers of unfamiliar vehicles moving slowly or stopping in the street.

Report anything suspicious to your local police station.

If you think a crime is being committed or someone is in serious danger, call Police immediately on 111.

Start a Neighbourhood Support group.

Neighbourhood Support helps neighbours to talk to each other and works closely with Police and other organisations in your community to reduce crime, improve safety and prepare to deal with emergencies and natural disasters.

Visit the Neighbourhood Support website.