Building a Safer Wellington: Inside the Work of the Weltevrede Neighbourhood Watch

The Weltevrede Neighbourhood Watch in Wellington has grown into one of the community’s most viable and dedicated safety structures, thanks to the leadership of chairperson Marie and a committed team of volunteers. The initiative dates back seven years, when Ward Councillor Mr Stowman called a public meeting and proposed the formation of a neighbourhood watch. Community members supported the idea, and during the election of a committee, Marie was chosen as chairperson for her active involvement and commitment as one of the founding members.

The team patrols the streets at varied times every Friday and Saturday, keeping an eye out for unlawful activities and suspicious behaviour. She says their priority is to maintain strong relationships with residents. Before patrol, they request an OB number to ensure transparency and community awareness. Although residents appreciate their presence, the neighbourhood watch often struggles with limited support from the police. ‘We are the eyes and ears, but when we need them, there is often not enough manpower, so we handle many things ourselves,” she explains.

Currently, the main challenges do not come from the community, but from unregistered neighbourhood watches who are less accountable. Crime levels in other patrol areas are relatively low now, though young people smoking OKA pipes or drinking on pavements remain a concern. Marie says they address this respectfully, and the youth usually cooperate. 

However, certain hotspots persist, including Smarty Town, Rooibok, Impala Weg, Springbok Street and the Dam Wall area. She believes police visibility, especially near schools, is critical. She adds that the community must raise their voices and stand together: “We need residents to be active so that gangs can see people are not afraid.”

The Weltevrede Neighbourhood Watch also performed outreach programs providing safety talks at schools, assisting at events, watching over properties, cleaning streets and other supporting activities. They recently completed a safety training course and will undergo first aid training in December 2025. 

Marie's message is clear; the neighbourhood can only remain peaceful if everyone contributes. “We don't do this for ourselves, but for the safety of the community.”