Neighbourhood Watch: How You Can Help Protect Our Schools

Ensuring the safety of our children is a top priority for every community. Schools are meant to be safe havens for learning and growth, but they can sometimes become targets for criminal activity. Your vigilance can make a significant difference in protecting our schools from crime.

The Role of Community Members

1. Create a Community of Safety Around Your School

Building strong connections with other parents, school staff, and local residents creates a watchful and supportive network around the school. When everyone knows each other, it’s easier to spot unfamiliar faces or suspicious behaviour on or near school grounds. Encourage children to speak to a trusted adult if they notice anything unusual at school or are aware of peers engaging in criminal activities on school grounds.

2. Stay Vigilant

Keep a close eye out for any unusual activity around school property, especially during non-school hours like evenings, weekends, and holidays when criminal behaviour is more likely. Watch for suspicious behaviour, broken windows, graffiti, or unauthorised individuals on school grounds, and report any concerns immediately to the police or school authorities. If the incident has already occurred or is not urgent, and you wish to remain anonymous, you can contact Crime Stoppers Queensland to provide a tip about any crimes you are aware of on school grounds. Every piece of information counts—your report could help prevent a crime or assist in solving one that has already occurred.

3. Strengthen School Safety with Neighbourhood Watch & Technology

Participating in or starting a neighbourhood watch group can greatly improve the security of your local school. These groups often collaborate closely with law enforcement, offering a coordinated approach to reporting and addressing suspicious activity. Many neighbourhoods are now equipped with security cameras and other safety technologies. If you’re involved with the school administration or are a concerned parent, advocate for the use of these tools and ensure they are regularly maintained and monitored.

How to Report Suspicious Activity

If something doesn’t feel right, trust your instincts. By reporting suspicious activities, you provide valuable information that helps law enforcement prevent and solve crimes. Even small details can be the missing piece in a larger puzzle.

Make the Right Call

• In an emergency or if the crime is happening now, always call Triple Zero (000).
• If you need police assistance, but it’s not an emergency, you can contact Policelink on 131 444 or visit www.police.qld.gov.au.
• Want to share info about non-urgent crime or suspicious activity anonymously? Reach out to Crime Stoppers Qld on 1800 333 000 or make a report online.