Neighbourhood watch: issues and policy implications

Abstract

An analysis of Victoria's Neighbourhood Watch program reveals that this form of community crime prevention can lead to decreases in recorded numbers of residential burglaries. However, the effects can dissipate over time and displacement effects can also occur. The authors highlight the need for systematic research and development of databases for neighbourhood watch programs, and outline methodological issues that need to be considered in program evaluation. They also discuss non crime prevention functions of Neighbourhood Watch.