Building blocks to a safer community

Creating a safer, more secure community has been a clear priority for Town of Walkerville residents – and Council is taking action.

As part of its TOWards2035 Strategic Plan, Council is rolling out a range of safety and security initiatives across 2025/26, including:

• security patrols of the Township;
• a new community security grant program to assist residents in purchasing cameras or lighting;
• increased engagement with SAPOL; and
• crime prevention partnerships and safety education campaigns.

These initiatives were shaped by strong community feedback gathered during the TOWards2035 campaign in 2024, which included town hall meetings and a Township-wide survey. Community members made it clear – safety matters.

Council is proud to be delivering on its commitment to roll out a comprehensive suite of safety and security measures for the community.

As part of this commitment, Council is also pleased to announce a new partnership with Crime Stoppers South Australia (SA). Crime Stoppers SA provides a vital role in supporting South Australian Police to solve crime and enhance community safety.

Through this collaboration, Council will roll out campaigns aimed at encouraging safer, connected neighbourhoods across the Township

Nigel Smart, CEO of Crime Stoppers SA, said the initiative adds an important layer of community engagement to local crime prevention efforts.

“This partnership shows real civic leadership by the Town of Walkerville on behalf of its residents,” Mr Smart said.

“By working together, we’re making it easier than ever for people to feel safe and speak up about what’s happening in their neighbourhood.

“Crime - and even the fear of it - can really impact how confident people feel in their community.

“We’re here to offer safe and anonymous ways to report anything suspicious or that just doesn’t feel right, along with practical tips to help protect yourself and your property.

“It could be something small like graffiti or vandalism, or something more serious like drug activity or theft,” Mr Smart said.

“Whatever it is, if it’s worrying you, tell Crime Stoppers - because even the smallest piece of information could make a big difference when passed on to police.”

Following the tragedy at Bentzen Court in June 2025, Council also contacted the State Government and SA Housing Trust to ensure appropriate action was taken at the site.

Council has consistently advocated for improvements at Housing Trust sites in the area, and formally wrote to the Minister for Housing following the incident.

Mayor Melissa Jones said, “We’ve been calling for proactive solutions for years, including a 2020 motion to explore stronger oversight of Housing Trust sites.

“While Bentzen Court is a State Government-owned site and Council has no jurisdiction over tenancy management or enforcement, we remain committed to doing everything we can to
support community safety – through local programs, partnerships and advocacy.”

Town of Walkerville requested improvements to the site and was pleased that the State Government agreed to further safety measures, including CCTV installation, improved lighting, fencing and increased onsite oversight.

Council will keep the community up to date on the implementation of its safety and security measures through regular communication channels.