The tradition of neighbours looking out for each other is taking a leap into the 21st century, thanks in no small part to one Hunter man.
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Bill Hackney, of Metford, is one of two community representatives selected from across NSW to be part of a police push to launch a new-look, digital neighbourhood watch initiative across the state.
The new neighbourhood watch program will involve the use of social media and digital platforms.
Mr Hackney was chosen for the advisory panel because he established a Facebook page called Metford Residents Against Crime at the beginning of this year, in response to frequent complaints about petty crime, theft and vandalism in the Metford area.
He insists the group is vigilant, as opposed to vigilante, and encourages people to report information directly to police in the first instance.
The group has since been rebadged as Metford Neighbourhood Watch and its success has attracted the attention of the state’s top law enforcers.
It is a credit to Mr Hackney that he has been chosen to be part of such a select group that could have serious and far-reaching benefits for communities across NSW as well as in the Hunter.
Metford certainly isn’t the only place in the Maitland area where petty crime, vandalism and theft takes place.
If the results of a digital watch program are less crime, a more positive community outlook and reduced stigma about whether certain places attract more crime than others, then that’s a win for the community.
As long as neighbourhood watch is conducted responsibly, as it is at Metford, and does not incite vigilante action, it seems like a positive and worthwhile use of social media.
