May Neighbourhood Watch News

Local News and security tips in and around London

NEIGHBOURHOOD WATCH NEWSLETTER MAY 2011

How to set up a Neighbourhood Watch scheme

More than 3,500 Neighbourhood Watches now cover almost a third of Surrey’s households, but we are always keen to hear from anyone interested in setting up a new scheme or joining an existing one.

Window stickers and crime prevention leaflets are supplied free of charge. However, there may be a small cost (shared between scheme members) for the provision of street signs, which are highly effective in deterring would-be offenders.

For more information and advice on joining or setting up a Neighbourhood Watch scheme, either follow up the local Neighbourhood Watch contact information if provided below, or contact the Surrey Police Force Watch Advisor on 0845 125 2222 or neighbourhoodwatch@surrey.pnn.police.uk

To find your local Neighbourhood Officer please visit

www.surrey.police.uk or call Surrey Police on 0845 125 2222.

Additional information can also be found at the national Neighbourhood Watch website www.ourwatch.org.uk

What is Neighbourhood Watch?

Neighbourhood Watch is the biggest voluntary crime prevention initiative in England and Wales – and the most successful. Based on the principle of like-minded residents getting together to ‘keep watch’ over their surroundings, Neighbourhood Watch helps to reduce crime. This makes member communities safer places in which to live, work and play. The scheme receives full police support, but is administered and operated independently. More than just a deterrent, Neighbourhood Watch is also the ideal medium for building good relations and fostering community spirit.

Neighbourhood Watch: a success story

Recently published research1 shows that Neighbourhood Watch effectively reduces crime in 79% of cases (when compared to similar geographic areas without such schemes). Research also reveals that Neighbourhood Watch is consistently valued for generating feelings of safety and reassurance which lead to an increased sense of community cohesion.

Neighbourhood Watch: the benefits

The scheme benefits individuals and communities alike,

by offering:

Home insurance discounts for active members
Specialist crime reduction advice to improve home security
Regular communication and crime alerts from your local police
The reduced likelihood of falling victim to crime
Vigilant neighbours concerned with community safety
Community issues addressed by a collective voice

Neighbourhood Watch aims to...

Prevent and reduce crime in our neighbourhoods
Provide reassurance to people in our communities, especially the more vulnerable
Provide up to date crime prevention advice
Encourage community members to be alert and watchful
Pass timely information from the police to the community(and vice versa) to help prevent and detect crime