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Devon Watch Group Putting our Community First
Press Release/Information Sheet:
Who is Devon Watch: Devon Watch is a volunteer, not-for-profit, group for businesses, community groups and churches, which meets regularly to discuss issues relevant to the participants such as crime prevention, safety, traffic, and community involvement, along with representatives from the City of Fredericton, the Province of New Brunswick, and the Fredericton Police Force. Some of the participants live in this community, while many do not.
What does Devon Watch do: Devon Watch members participate in a monthly meeting to discuss relevant issues; watch each others' properties; report criminal activity; support events held by groups in our area; discuss crime prevention strategies; and keep a close eye on our community. Devon Watch's mission statement is--putting our community first.
When did Devon Watch begin: Devon Watch had its inaugural meeting on January 17, 2007. Four area businesses or community groups met with Norah Davidson-Wright and Mike O'Brien, respective Councillors for Wards 3 and 4 from The City of Fredericton, and with the Community Involvement Coordinator for Family and Community Services-Province of New Brunswick-Mary Astle. These businesses and community groups all shared a common interest in establishing a Business Watch Group, which would be similar to Neighbourhood Watch groups. The members would keep an eye on each other's businesses, alert each other of potential criminal activities or safety issues in the area, as well as become active in community events.
Where does Devon Watch cover: Devon Watch covers the area of Cliffe to Clarke Streets from East to West and MacLaren Avenue to Union Street from North to South. The Group would not exclude any other business, community group, or church in close proximity, who wish to participate.
Why did Devon Watch form: Devon Watch formed after a group of businesses, sharing mutual concerns about safety, crime prevention, bylaws, traffic, and community involvement, began speaking with the City of Fredericton Councilors for Wards 3 & 4. Devon Watch hopes to build support and awareness in our community, engage youth in our community to reduce vandalism, support community functions, prevent crime, and support each other.
What has Devon Watch done to date: Devon Watch established a Terms of Reference, which was adopted in May, 2007. Two co-chairs were established-Owen Taylor, Capital Credit Union and Gena Clowater, Canada Post Corporation. The Group has requested unsightly properties be tidied up, with the assistance of the City Bylaw Officer; established a plan to report criminal or suspicious activity to the Police; participated in community activities including a bike rally and youth dance by volunteering time and donating bikes, cash, and prizes; and more.
What is Devon Watch planning for the future: The Group hopes to increase it's visibility in the community through signage. The Group wants to increase it's participation in community events. The Group would like to see criminal activity in this community diminish. The Group wants to look at a Community Planning Group in Moncton, which is helping to develop a strategy to help decrease prostitution and drug-related crime, to determine if anything from their approach could be applied to our community. The Group will be asking guest speakers to attend future meetings and speak on issues such as engaging youth, and preventing bullying. Devon Watch looks forward to working with the new Fredericton Police Northside Neighbourhood Action Team (NAT).
Contact: For more information, please contact Cst. Dennis Van Ember, Devon Watch Group, by telephone at 506-460-2917.
Member, Devon Watch Group
A Business/Organizational Watch Group
Devon-Cliffe to Clarke, Union to MacLaren Streets
Devon Watch-Promoting security and community involvement in our neighborhood.
