How to set up a Neighbourhood Watch Scheme

Neighbourhood Watch schemes are run by their members through a Co-ordinator and are supported by the Police and in many areas of the County ,and a local Neighbourhood Watch Association.

Schemes can vary in size. A volunteer resident Co-ordinator supervises the scheme and liases with the Police, they receive information and messages to keep them in touch with activities, and some have marker kits, alarms and other security items, which are available to members. 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.

The Co-Ordinator

The role of a Neighbourhood Watch Co-ordinator is to set up and/or maintain a Neighbourhood Watch scheme within a specific neighbourhood/area.

You will need to contact the crime prevention co-ordinator at your nearest police station that will clarify what is involved and the initial steps to take. Whilst each crime prevention co-ordinator may develop specific procedures, the following are suggested as the main duties which co-ordinators will need to manage:

• Encourage vigilance amongst scheme members and actively encourage the early reporting of suspicious incidents to the police
• Receive crime information from the Neighbourhood Watch VC Relay 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
• Welcome newcomers to the neighbourhood/area and invite them to be part of the scheme

Supply each scheme member with Neighbourhood Watch and crime prevention literature, including the well known Neighbourhood Watch window stickers.

Your local watch association or your local police will be able to supply and arrange the erection of Neighbourhood Watch street signs, in some areas these may incurred a small cost.

There are links on how to contact your Local Policing Unit in the county below: