Neighbourhood Watch is one of the biggest and the most successful crime prevention initiatives in the United Kingdom. Behind it lies a simple idea, and a central value shared by millions of people around the country. Getting together with your neighbours can cut crime.
Neighbourhood Watch started in the UK in 1982. Its basic aim was to reduce household burglary. More recently, Neighbourhood Watch groups are looking at other issues that affect people's quality of life such as poor street lighting, abandoned cars, vandalism, graffiti and other anti-social behaviour.
Neighbourhood Watch is not just about reducing burglary figures; it's about creating communities who care. It brings local people together and can make a real contribution to improving people's lives. It is about taking responsibility for your local environment, looking out for vulnerable neighbours, helping to reduce crime, the fear of crime and being a good neighbour.
Neighbourhood Watch is recognised by many insurance companies and some offer a discount on household policies. This is because statistics show that you are less likely to have to make a claim if you live in a Watch area.
Objectives of a Neighbourhood Watch Scheme- To prevent crime by improving security, increasing vigilance, creating and maintaining a caring community and reducing opportunities for crime by increasing crime prevention awareness.
- To assist the police in detecting crime by promoting effective communication and the prompt reporting of suspicious and criminal activity.
- To reduce undue fear of crime by providing accurate information about risks and by promoting a sense of security and community spirit, particularly amongst the more vulnerable members of the community.
- To improve police/community liaison by providing effective communications through systems such as the Neighbourhood Watch Crime Messaging Email system, which warns Co-ordinators of local crime trends which they can disseminate to their scheme members, and by members informing the police of incidents when they occur.
If you are interested in becoming a Co-ordinator, please contact the Neighbourhood Watch Liaison Officer either by Email at nhwcroydon@met.police.uk or ring 020 8649 0318.
