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| Getting together with your neighbours to take action can cut local crime. |
Everyone knows that the police are there to fight crime, but they need your help to do an effective job. Neighbourhood Watch (or Home Watch as it is known is some areas) is all about an active partnership with the police. Neighbourhood Watch schemes can:
A better place to live, work & play.
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 their lives. The activity of Watch Members can foster community spirit and belief in the community's ability to tackle problems. At the same time, you feel secure knowing your neighbours are keeping an eye on your property.
There are other benefits to Neighbourhood Watch schemes too. You will become familiar with crime prevention ideas which will help and keep your home and belongings safe. And the extra security which belonging to a Neighbourhood Watch scheme offers might even mean that you get a premium discount from your insurance company.
How Schemes Work
Neighbourhood Watch schemes can be large, covering for example most of the households on an estate or they might involve just half a dozen houses. It depends on the area and what people living there want.
A scheme is generally led by a volunteer co-ordinator whose job is to get people working together and make sure things get done. As well as the co-ordinator, there is usually a committee. Committees meet regularly to plan which problems to target and what action to take. Schemes keep in close touch with local police to share information and advice.