Traditional
Neighbourhood Watch activity has focused on the immediate
vicinity of homes, with members looking out for anything
suspicious, or helping their neighbours as necessary.
However, more and more schemes are broadening their image
of work.
Targeting
local problems such as vandalism or graffiti are well
within the scope of a well-organised Watch scheme. You
may be able to take action yourselves, such as fitting
more secure door or window locks in vulnerable homes, or
you may need to get others involved. This could mean
lobbying the local authority, for example, to improve the
street lighting on your estate or to step up the security
of a communal entrance.
Many
schemes now work in partnership with other agencies like
Victim Support and Help the Aged to help reduce the fear
of crime.
Repeat
burglaries
When a
home is burgled it is more likely to be burgled again
than a home that hasn't. If it does happen it is
likely to be within the next few weeks. After all, a
burglar has been into the home, found the weak points in
its security and had a good look at the contents and
layout. So stepping up the security of a burgled home
straightaway can prevent a further crime.
Neighbourhood
Watch schemes can tackle this problem by forming
protective 'cocoons' around burgled homes.
Immediate neighbours are asked to keep an eye on the
targeted home, to be especially watchful for a few weeks
and to report anything suspicious to the police. Where
these cocoons have been set up following a burglary, they
can have a dramatic impact in preventing another crime in
the high risk period.
The key
is to:
- respond
fast
- get
all neighbours who overlook the burgled property
to help
- be
extra vigilant for a few weeks.
Street
Watch
As many
as 20,000 Neighbourhood Watch schemes around the country
include Street Watch elements. This term covers many
different activities, ranging from providing transport or
escort services for elderly people, to walking a specific
route regularly, keeping an eye out for trouble and
reporting it to the police. Individual Neighbourhood
Watch schemes decide for themselves if they wish to
tackle the problems in their area in this way. They then
consult closely with local people and the police.
An Active Partnership With The Police
Watch
schemes are not police-run groups. But to be truly
effective against crime, they need to plan action in co-operation
with the police (or other agency such as the local
authority).
It is
essential to establish a close working relationship with
your local police, and to share with them all information
relating to crime and other incidents in your area. Many
police stations have volunteer administrators who, in
conjunction with the police, act as a liaison point for
Watch co-ordinators. The police can provide the up to
date crime figures and other information as well as
expert advice, while Watch members and local authorities
can contribute valuable grassroots information about the
area. When you team this local knowledge with the sort of
statistical information can often provide, then you have
a powerful basis for action against crime.
All This Talk Of Crime Makes Me Anxious
When you
first join Neighbourhood Watch you may be given a lot of
information about crime, especially in your area. This
may alarm you. But remember - the risk of actually being
a victim of violent crime is very small indeed.
Most
crime - more than 90 per cent - is against property, not
people, and most of your security measures will be aimed
at protecting your home and your belongings.
Neighbourhood Watch is all about taking sensible
precautions. It reassures vulnerable members of your
community that you are keeping a neighbourly eye on them.
How Much Should I Do?
It's
entirely up to you. Some people have more free time than
others, and may want to take a very active role as a
committee member or even co-ordinator of a local Watch
scheme.
- You
may know something about marketing or
communications, and volunteer to write and
distribute newsletters, or publicise your local
scheme's activities.
- You
may be in business locally and know of avenues to
seek sponsorship for Watch activities.
- Or
your part may be as simple as keeping a look out
while your neighbour is on holiday, making sure
there are no tell-tale signs such as milk left on
a doorstep that would attract a burglar.
Everyone
can do something that will really make a difference.
How Can I Set Up A Scheme?
If you
are serious about getting involved in Neighbourhood Watch
you will want to find out about other schemes and how
they operate. Your local police will tell you if there is
a scheme in your area or help you set up one of your own.
