Having proposed the group, spokesman Diego Sztejman confirmed it had been formed and “we’ve got the ball rolling”.
“We will start showing a presence with group patrols by foot, as well as car patrols very soon to begin engaging in the community. We want to deter crime and begin some crime prevention.”
With the initial group interest off the ground, Mr Sztejman said they are now seeking community support.
“Everyone can contribute; everyone in the community can take positive action.
“Neighbourhood streets and groups in the area can form Whatsapp groups to inform neighbours of what’s going on, join in support with action,” he said.
The NSW Neighbourhood Watch program is funded through fundraising, sponsorships and grants, which Mr Sztejman has said is the next step for the group.
“Now we need businesses and individuals to assist with financial contributions to get the right uniforms, whistles, vests, print flyers and to book the meeting room.
“There are costs, which have so far been paid privately, and I don’t expect everyone to pay.
“We will look at applying for grants, but hopefully businesses and potential contributors can help as well as those that are at risk of being broken into or threatened.
“The starting point is to get in contact and take it from there, but we need some financial support to be successful.”
Mr Sztejman said a second public meeting is to be announced soon.
“We want to put another meeting on for more of the public who couldn’t make it to the first one, however after that, all meetings will be for volunteers only.
“Anyone can volunteer, but they have to be vetted by the group and police to have a clearance level.”
The group is working off the guidelines of the NSW Neighbourhood Watch program, which is supported by NSW Police.
“Our Neighbourhood Watch contact for the Murray River Police District is Kylie Edlington in Albury.
“Our immediate contact is Chief Inspector Michael Fuller in Deniliquin.
“All parties are interested in making the most of it and making it successful,” Mr Sztejman said.
One particularly interesting point raised from the initial meeting was that a Deniliquin Neighbourhood Watch program is not new, with a 1990 Neighbourhood Watch report being recovered in the recent Rotary Club of Deniliquin’s time capsule opening. It showed there were regular Deniliquin Neighbourhood Watch groups 35 years ago.
However, these groups are now difficult to find in the region outside of Albury and Shepparton.
Mr Sztejman has also extended an invitation to political representatives to a future public meeting.
“We want them to come and talk to us, listen to us and help with the initiative.
“We encourage community members to write to local political representatives, as we believe more can be done about community safety.”
For more information or to register your interest in the Deniliquin Neighbourhood Watch group, phone Diego Sztejman on 0423 928 553.
