The Police can’t deal with all the problems and issues arising from crime and anti-social behaviour alone, they need the help of the whole community. NHW provides a way for local people to play an important part in addressing this balance and making their communities safer. It is a community initiative, supported by the Police, so success depends on what the members make of it.

The main aims are to:

• Reduce the opportunity for crime and the fear of crime in our neighbourhoods.
• Improve the communications between residents and the Police
• Get residents working together to build a better community spirit.

As people get to know each other a stronger community spirit grows – people look out for each other and become good neighbours. A NHW scheme is a group of residents who watch out for each other. One person is chosen as the Coordinator – they will have contact details of the members and keep them updated of any crime or issues in the area. Coordinators will get information from NHWN, the Police and Trading Standards which they pass on to all scheme members. Two way communications are very important and the Coordinator must encourage members to report crimes or anything suspicious to the Police using 999 or 101.

Benefits for Members

• Household insurance discounts may be available with many insurers (approx 5% – 10%).
• Information on incidents in your area.
• Peace of mind in your neighbourhood.
• Improved community spirit.

The Role of a Neighbourhood Watch Member

• Be alert to any suspicious behaviour or activity in your local area
• Report information to the scheme Co-ordinator, and in serious cases to the Police.
  Monitor people’s homes whilst they are away
• Implement basic crime prevention techniques
• Support the scheme Co-ordinator in distributing information to the rest of the group.

People join Neighbourhood Watch to make the areas where they live safe, friendly and pleasant places to be – and it works. The old stereotype of the Neighbourhood Watch curtain twitcher is wrong for one very simple reason: it implies fear. Neighbourhood Watch is about the opposite: making sure that no one has to feel afraid, vulnerable or isolated in the place where they live. The results can really be something to be proud of. Communities where Neighbourhood Watch operates become more friendly and cohesive and, research shows, experience a fall in crime.

Here are a few simple tips about preventing burglaries:

Many burglaries can be prevented. In 3 burglaries out of 10, the thief does not have to force his way in because a door or window has been left open. Burglars don’t like locked windows because someone may hear breaking glass. They don’t like security deadlocks on doors because they cannot open them even from the inside and they have to get out through a window.

• • • Burglar Alarms – Visible burglar alarms make burglars think twice. We can provide a list of compliant alarm companies on request.
    • Small Windows – Even small windows like casement windows, skylights or bathroom fanlights might need locks. A thief can get through any gap larger than a human head.
    • External Door Locks – Fit back and front doors with a five-lever mortice deadlock, to BS3621 or equivalent.
    • Patio Doors – You should get specialist advice on fitting locks to patio doors. They should have a special lock fitted top and bottom unless fitted with a multi-locking system. Fit security mortice locks to french doors and mortice bolts to the top and bottom of both doors.
    • Spare Keys – Never leave a spare key in a hiding place, like under a doormat or in a flowerpot – a thief will look there first.
    • Garages – Never leave a garage or garden shed unlocked, especially if it has a connecting door to the house. Lock tools and ladders away so that a thief cannot use them to break in.