Neighbourhood Watch
What’s happening?
Neighbourhood and Home Watch is a partnership where people come together to make their communities safer. It brings together individuals and families who want to make their neighbourhoods better places to live, along with the police, community safety officers of local authorities, and voluntary organisations.
It aims to help people protect themselves and their properties, and to reduce crime, the fear of crime, and the incidence of fire and environmental damage. It focuses on improved home security and home safety awareness, greater vigilance, accurate reporting of crime to the police, and fostering a community spirit.
It is established country-wide, in urban and rural areas alike, with representation at police-force area, regional, and national levels.
How can I get involved?
- Every Neighbourhood Watch group is different because each is owned and run by the people of its community. You and your neighbours come together to make your area a safe and pleasant place to live. You decide what measures to take because you know your community needs best.
- If there is no scheme in your area, you might like to think about starting one yourself. The first step is to talk to your neighbours, see who might be interested and find out how they would like to improve the area.
- The police do not run Neighbourhood Watch but they can give you advice on how to get started. Your local Neighbourhood Policing Team can be contacted via your local police station. They will help you find local resources and put you in touch with someone who can help you start a scheme. This may be one of their own officers or someone at the local Neighbourhood Watch Association.
- Remember, you can start a group with a lot of interest or just a little. Many schemes start small and then grow once residents see what it is all about. The main thing is to make a start.
Where can I find out more?
- The Neighbourhood and Home Watch Network (NHWN) is the national body representing Neighbourhood Watch schemes. Find more information about Neighbourhood Watch, and see if there is already a scheme in your area, at the NHWN website.
- NHWN can also be contacted on 0116 229 3118 or via email NHWN enquiries.
- See real life examples of Neighbourhood Watch in action.