Louisa, Neighbourhood Watch is exactly what you need, it is the best known and most effective example of the police and community working in partnership to prevent crime, build safer communities and improve the quality of life. There are approximately 155,000 schemes across the UK covering 10 million households. Insurance statistics show that houses in active schemes have a 1 in 344 chance of being burgled compared to the national average of 1 in 35. If correct locks are also fitted your chances drop to 1 in 1350.Joining or starting a Neighbourhood Watch scheme gives you the chance to play a vital role in your community, and to make a difference. It lets you join the drive against crimes such as burglary, theft and to combat social nuisances such as graffiti.If you are interested in starting a new Neighbourhood Watch or would like to know if you live in an existing Watch area already contact your local Safer Neighbourhood Team. It is very straight forward to start a scheme, once a suitable & willing Coordinator is identified. Once registered Signs will be put up on entry roads to the scheme & stickers can be provided to households to publicise the NHW scheme. Some Insurance companies also give a 5% discount on household premiums, if you are part of a registered scheme.For further information see: http://www.neighbourhoodwatch.uk.com/ Here are a few extracts from this website:It must be recognised that the scheme is a community initiative, which is supported by the police, not run by them, so success depends on what the members make of it.The Police can't deal with the problems and issues arising from crime and anti-social behaviour alone; they need the help of the whole community. Neighbourhood Watch provides a way for local people to play an important part in addressing this balance and making their communities safer.A volunteer resident Co-ordinator supervises the scheme and liaises with the Police. Encourage vigilance amongst scheme members and actively encourage the early reporting of suspicious incidents to the police. Receive crime information from the Neighbourhood Watch Ringmaster messaging system and distribute these messages to scheme members Encourage scheme members to be aware of and put into practice crime prevention measures, such as property marking and security devices. Keep a check on vulnerable households and provide advice to members about dealing with callers at the door. Circulate newsletters and other relevant information to scheme members. Hope this is of help to you.
Sgt. Peter Murphy ● 6481d