NEIGHBOURHOOD WATCH Scheme start in American come the Uk in 1982 it was set up in Millington in Cheshire in 1982. Many more schemes followed throughout the UK, and just Over 9 million people are now claimed to be members.
The objectives of a Neighbourhood Watch are fourfold ~
To prevent crime by improving security, increasing vigilance, creating and maintaining a caring community and reducing opportunities for crime by increasing crime prevention awareness.
To assist the police in detecting crime by promoting effective communication and the prompt reporting of suspicious and criminal activity.
To reduce undue fear of crime by providing accurate information about risks and by promoting a sense of security and community spirit, particularly amongst the more vulnerable members of the community.
To improve police/community liaison by providing effective communications through Neighbourhood Watch messaging systems which warn of local crime trends which they can dis-seminate to their scheme members, and by members informing the police of incidents when they occur.
Neighbourhood Watch schemes are run by their members and are supported by the Police and where possible other Neighbourhood Watch schemes.
Schemes can vary in size, A manageable size is between 6- 400 House it is not recommended to go over 400 house, A volunteer resident organiser supervises ( Coordinator) the scheme and liaises with the Police, they receive information and messages to keep them in touch with activities, and some have marker kits, alarms and other security items, which are available to members. It must be recognised that the scheme is a community initiative, which is supported by the Police, not run by them, so success depends on what the members make of it.
The Police can’t deal with the problems and issues arising from crime and anti-social behaviour alone; they need the help of the whole community. Neighbourhood Watch provides a way for local people to play an important part in addressing this balance and making their communities safer.
The KNW WORKING THE BIG TOP NEIGHBOURHOOD ROAD SHOW has came up a new profile/ template / platform for todays Neighbourhood if they choose work with it, this is to aim to engage Residents and inspire them to start up a Neighbourhood Watch in their street and their community and to portray Neighbourhood watch in a different way that is open to all ages and can be a social meeting place where the community can support and look after each other and their families/property, see picture below.
Hot Tip
Any home is a potential TARGET FOR BURGLERS. Some are more appealing than others, these are a few tips to keep you from having a burglar and keep your valuable possessions safe from harm or loss.
Home insurance premiums rise every year due to increasing insurance tax and ever-climbing claims levels due to crime or burglary; making home insurance comparison more important than ever. Ensuring you follow the following top 10 tips will help to secure your property as well as bringing your insurance premium down. You can also be an active member of your local Neighbourhood Watch or start one up with the help of your Neighbours, If you work with the Police to bring your local area crime rate down you will also make savings in your House and car Insurance premiums.
Windows ~ Most burglars will want to enter your property from the rear and it is most likely that they will look to force a window to gain entry. Breaking a window will usually be a last resort as this will attract unwanted attention so you should turn your attention to visibly securing them with key operated locks.
Lighting ~ Burglars don’t like to be in the spotlight so you should ensure you have outdoor lights fitted that operate on a sensor switch (to save electricity) which activates when movement is detected. Using timer switches can be a good deterrent for an opportunist thief if you are away for a few days.
Burglar Alarms ~ Many homes still do not have a burglar alarm and this should be a basic security measure on all homes. The siren box will act as a visual deterrent to some extent (dummy sirens can also be bought cheaply) and you can choose a system that simply let’s off an alarm or one that dials a pre-set number or a local security company.
Doors ~ It is imperative that you ensure your external doors are strong, in good condition and secured to a high standard. Fitting a five-lever mortice deadlock or extra sliding bolts will greatly improve security and French doors ~ which are much weaker than singular doors ~ should be fitted with top and bottom mortice locks on both doors.
Gates and Fences ~ A weak or low fence can make gaining access to the rear of your property much easier. Sturdy 6ft fences make the task a little harder and thorny hedges such as Hawthorne make a good deterrent. Gates should also be similarly sturdy and locked from the inside with a bolt that is out of reach as a minimum standard.
Spare Key ~ Never hide a spare key in convenient location, it will be just as convenient for the average burglar too and will hand the house to them on a silver platter.
Don’t leave valuables in sight ~ Fitting blinds or net curtains will make it harder to see into your property. You might be proud of your 40″ LCD TV but do you want to advertise it to an opportunist thief ?
Buy a Safe ~ If you have particularly valuable items such as jewellery or large sums of cash in the house then it is a good idea to purchase a safe which can be secured in place in a hidden location. Passports, unused credit cards, etc should also ideally be locked away.
Mark your property ~ So that if you are burgled your possessions can be identified should the police recover them. This can be achieved by etching your postcode, surname and house number or name onto the item, or, where this is not practical, using an ultraviolet marker.
Don’t advertise your absence ~ Many people now use social networking websites such as Facebook.com to tell everyone about their daily exploits. Don’t unwittingly give details of when you’re going on holiday by mentioning dates, etc.
Look worry if your concerned about any of the above contact your local Community Police Team they send and PCSO or your Local neighbourhood watch Coordinator can help reassure you and together you can make your community a better place to live in.
Knightstone Neighbourhood Watch 