Neighbourhood support

There are more benefits in getting neighbourly than just borrowing a cup of sugar. Being part of a Neighbourhood Support Group could save you property loss and the grief and hassle of a burglary - it could even save your life.

Nelson has over 300 Neighbourhood Support Groups and Neighbourhood Support Co-ordinator Kim MacDonald is keen to see this number grow. Kim updates Nelson's registered neighbourhood support groups, and is keen to hear from anyone who is or has been involved. Contact Kim on 546 4902 or click here to send her an email.

Getting started

If you want to start a Neighbourhood Support Group in your area, give Kim a call. The community constable will come along and speak to the people in your street. They will arrange to have a sign put up at the entrance to the street and will provide a pack with window stickers, info sheets on crime prevention, and Civil Defence information. From there, it is over to the group to decide how often they want to get together.

Simple steps to safety

Some of the crime prevention and support methods suggested in the information kits are:

  • Keep your car in a neighbour's driveway when they are away on holiday
  • Clear junk mail from letter boxes of people who are away
  • Put a bag of rubbish out for collection outside a vacant house
  • Check on elderly people if their curtains stay drawn.