Should I become a member of a Neighbourhood Watch Scheme?
A response by Jon Caldwell, Security Consultant, at Caldwell Security.
More Blogs available at https://caldwellsecurity.co.uk/blog.
Neighbourhood Watch is a grassroots charitable movement, and is the largest Crime Prevention voluntary movement in England and Wales, with more than 2.3 Million Members. Its Vision is a society where neighbours come together to create safer, stronger and active communities. And its Mission is to support, and enable, individuals, and communities, to be connected, active and safe, and to increase well-being and minimise crime.
I have been a Member for many years, of a local Neighbourhood Watch Scheme in Hitchin, acting as the Street Co-ordinator. There are many other Schemes across the whole of North Hertfordshire. My Scheme receives invaluable support from the Safer Neighbourhood Team, based at Hitchin Police Station, and currently led by Sergeant Al Clarke. He is supported by a Team of Police Constables, Police Community Support Officers (PCSO) and Watch Liaison Officers, producing regular Newsletters, and e-mails through the Owl Messaging system, providing excellent advice and guidance on a wide range of subjects to keep the Community Safe and Secure. The Team also undertake regular Police Patrols, Speed Enforcement Campaigns, Street Surgeries, and provide Crime Prevention advice, such as property marking. The Team can be contacted via e-mail at SNTHitchinUrban@herts.pnn.police.uk .
Some people have the perception that Neighbourhood Watch Schemes involve ‘Nosy’ Neighbours, spying on each other, but the reality is these Schemes actively encourage a Community Spirit, which has been of a real benefit during the Covid-19 Pandemic, and the various Lockdowns.
The most effective Schemes, are those, where Members live in close proximity, and are able ‘to keep an eye on each other’, helping to connect with their Neighbours, and build vibrant communities, with a central focus on preventing crime. Successful Schemes hold community social events, such as barbecues, or lead community projects, such as litter picking. But many just ensure any vulnerable, or lonely neighbours, are supported, perhaps doing some shopping, taking in parcels, putting out bins when on holiday, or perhaps just popping in for a cup of tea, and a chat.
The Neighbourhood Watch Co-ordinators work closely with County Partners, such as Local Councils, Home Office, Police and Crime Commissioners, Police UK, and Trading Standards, and are able to provide a vast amount of information and guidance to the wider Community, and in particular offer excellent Crime Prevention advice.
Being a Member of a Neighbourhood Watch Scheme is very likely to reduce the risk of becoming a Victim of Crime. By supporting your Neighbours, and reporting suspicious incidents, or people, in the local area, can keep everyone safe, and make it more difficult for Criminals to prosper.
More information on Hertfordshire Neighbourhood Watch Schemes can be obtained on-line at www.herts.police.uk. or via the Hertfordshire Constabulary Mobile App.
You may wish to consider booking a Consultation with Caldwell Security, who can arrange a bespoke low-cost Crime Prevention Security Survey, and give professional advice, on what proportionate security measures would be the most appropriate for you. https://calendly.com/caldwell-security/free-consultation
Caldwell Security Consultants will provide, no obligation, security mitigation recommendations, but they do not provide installation, or supply, of any security products.