Neighbourhood Safety is a priority

I’ve been a volunteer with Neighbourhood Watch Glen Eira as a committee and general member for over 6 years, and represent NHWGE at regular council Community Safety Committee Meetings.

Neighbourhood safety is a fundamental aspect of community well-being and quality of life. When residents feel secure in their environment, they are more likely to engage with their community, participate in local events, and have lasting relationships with their neighbours. This sense of safety encourages people to walk, cycle, and enjoy public spaces, promoting a healthy lifestyle and greater social interaction. A safe Glen Eira is a liveable Glen Eira.

When safety is prioritised, it creates a more appealing environment for families, which can lead to a vibrant community with diverse amenities and services. Safe streets also contribute to reducing crime rates, creating a positive feedback loop where increased community vigilance and cohesion further discourage criminal activity.

Neighbourhood safety encompasses various aspects, including lighting. Lighting is an area of concern which I will address if I’m elected. The exponential rise of overly bright LED lighting has meant that our streets may not in fact be safer, and that turning off lights late in the night can reduce crime… Research has made a startling discovery that in these semi-dark streets, there was a strong association with a reduction in total night-time crime and especially theft from vehicles. By flooding a space with light, there can be a sharp drop-off of light beyond paths. This contrast can be disorientating and can make people feel less safe. Especially with LED lighting, which is very directional, shadow areas become very dark. For street segments adjacent to streets with part-night lighting, the findings suggested that there was an increase in overall night-time crime of about 18%, mainly driven by increases in theft from vehicles.

Also you can read more about my concerns about increased bright white LED lighting impacts on human health and ecosystems here.

I’d also like to promote the concept of environmental design in crime prevention. Environmental design plays a significant role in crime prevention through various strategies aimed at enhancing safety and security in urban settings. One of the primary frameworks is Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design (CPTED), which focuses on the relationship between the physical environment and human behaviour. By integrating these principles into urban planning and community design, local governments can create safer environments that are less prone to criminal behaviour. This holistic approach not only contributes to individual safety but also enhances community well-being, fostering a more connected and resilient neighbourhood.

So addressing lighting and ensuring well-maintained public spaces, and effective community policing, not only improves safety but also instills a sense of pride and ownership among residents. When people are invested in their neighbourhood's safety, they are more likely to work collaboratively on initiatives that nurture a healthy and thriving community. You can be involved in neighbourhood safety by joining Neighbourhood Watch Glen Eira (contact them at: info@nhwgleneira.com.au) or following the Facebook page.

Ultimately, prioritising neighbourhood safety promotes resilience, encouraging participation, and ensuring that all residents feel valued and secure in their homes.

Through my involvement with Neighbourhood Watch Glen Eira and our work with council and local police, I have seen firsthand that a lot of work is being done to make our municipality safer and more liveable - but I want to hear from you! Do you feel safe where you live? What are the issues that concern you? What more can we do to make you feel safe? Please contact me here!

Promoting a new initiative by Neighbourhood Watch (lens cloth for cars) at the ‘Mini Community Safey Day’ on Thursday 11 July at the Bentleigh Library

Great opportunities like this to connect with the community!

Applying environmental design principles to a home increases safety - and oh look! Greenery, shrubs and trees also enhance our well-being and biodiversity!