NHW GUIDE

ADVANTAGES

Neighbourhood Watch schemes are a powerful tool in the fight against crime in Britain today. But there are other benefits too for example:

1. They help bring a community together and help people to get to know each other.

2. They generate greater peace of mind and help reduce the stress in life.

3. Some insurance companies offer a reduction in insurance premiums for residents who are registered with a scheme.

4. There is advice and guidance on home security.

5. Builds a strong partnership between the police and the community.

6. Generally improves the quality and safety of a neighbourhood.

MESSAGE FROM LIZ HERBERT- READING AREA N.W. MANAGER

" I am the Neighbourhood Watch Manager for Reading and I have worked for Thames Valley Police for nearly 10 years. I look after all matters relating to Neighbourhood Watch Schemes . We currently have 757 NHW schemes in Reading! Neighbourhood Watch is a group of residents working in partnership with Thames Valley Police and other agencies to make their communities safer. The size of a scheme is between few and 100 houses. It depends on the area where you live. Your scheme co-ordinator will receive crime information which is then passed onto the members.

It is very important that NHW schemes inform Thames Valley Police of any issues or concerns their Neighbourhood is experiencing. One of the most distressing incidents is anti social behaviour, which can affect one house or a whole community. Anti Social Behaviour often involves groups of people hanging around, shouting and screaming, damaging property or cars, knocking over wheelie bins and intimidating residents. These incidents often occur in the evening.

If you have problems with Anti Social Behaviour please keep a diary of when the incidents are happening, descriptions of people etc. Tell your NHW co-ordinator and report all the incidents to The Thames Valley Police Enquiry Centre on 0845 8505 505. The reason these must be reported is because all incidents are collated and a pattern can form . This information can then be sent to The Sector Team who can then target their resources and increase patrols in your neighbourhood. "

HOW TO SET UP A WATCH

Setting up a scheme is simple: Liz Herbert - manager for Thames Valley Police Neighbourhood Watches- is helpful, friendly and efficient. She will invite you to a meeting for prospective Coordinators, provide all the advice and support to set up the scheme. After polling your neighbours a public meeting is held attended by Liz and the police. The Watch is established and registered with the Police.

NHW co-ordinators must undergo a police check to ascertain their suitability- necessary as one is dealing with the security of people's homes and also confidential police information. They are voluntary and work unpaid.