Mr Wright, who represents the only Neighbourhood Watch group active in the Sunbury area, said the recent spate of break-ins from parked cars might have been prevented if there was a Neighbourhood Watch.

The last two such groups, which operated in Red Rock and WildWood, folded last year, and the future of Goonawarra is in the balance.

Mr Wright said the group had been active for about 25 years. It now had 18 members, compared with 40 in the past.

"If we get any lower [in member numbers] than what we have at the moment, our future is in doubt.

"It's always been a variable thing. People are showing less willingness to be involved.

"It takes a bit of work and it is not just something one person can do."

Mr Wright said the group kept the community informed about neighbourhood issues and personal safety.

"We feel we make a difference by having a presence in the area."

Victoria Police Neighbourhood Watch state manager Mark Standish said the watch network was the largest community partnership the police had.

"The group is a benefit to us. Any volunteer proactive scheme is a benefit to the whole community, and I'd encourage people to get involved if they can," he said.

Senior Sergeant Standish said interest in watch groups tended to peak when there were escalating crime rates.

"We encourage volunteers to join [such groups] through letter-drops. If a group is struggling to survive we try to amalgamate it to an adjoining area's watch."

A new model of Neighbourhood Watch based on council wards is being piloted in Maribyrnong's Wattle Ward.

Western region Neighbourhood Watch chairman Norman Reed said he helped set up the Wattle Ward group late last year after the Kingsville and Yarraville groups disbanded.

Under the new format, residents meet for coffee or meals and discuss various issues.

"We are changing the face of Neighbourhood Watch, trying to organise social events, be more community based where people are more relaxed," he said.

Goonawarra Neighbourhood Watch details: 97443052.