How We Work

There are Neighbourhood Watch groups across England and Wales. Each group is run by a volunteer Coordinator with the goal of making their community a better and safer place to live. Neighbourhood Watch groups are supported on a regional level by their local Association and on a national level by Neighbourhood Watch Network.

People join Neighbourhood Watch for many different reasons, whether it is to improve safety around their home or to become part of a group and meet new people. It is widely regarded that being part of Neighbourhood Watch can:

  • Reduce/prevent local crime and disorder
  • Reduce fear of crime
  • Address issues relating to antisocial behaviour
  • Create safer neighbourhoods
  • Build community spirit and cohesion
  • Reassure members of the public
  • Enhance partnership working with other community groups
  • Assist in the detection and apprehension of criminals through members providing information to the police
  • Improve the quality of life and the local environment.

Role of NW Scheme members

  1. Make sure your home is kept secure. Always keep doors locked – whether you are in your house, garage or garden.
  2. Make an effort to get to know your neighbours and encourage neighbourliness.
  3. Take note of what’s going on around you – it’s not being nosey – it’s just trying to recognise what’s normal or what’s unusual.
  4. Ask your neighbour to keep an eye on your property when you are away from home – and do the same for them.
  5. Report all crimes or if you see something suspicious that worries you (whether it affects you or your neighbours).
  6. Inform the Police and your NW coordinator.
  7. Be aware that reporting something to the police may not result in their attendance – but it helps to build a picture for the Police.

Role of NW Scheme Coordinators

  1. Keeping contact details of scheme members and ensure this is passed to subsequent coordinators. Always use NW data in line with GDPR.
  2. Welcome new residents, explain NW and encourage them to join.
  3. Have a system that allows information to be distributed quickly to your members – i.e. warnings about crimes, incidents or scams.
  4. Encourage members to report to the Police any criminal or suspicious activity in the area. They should also tell you, so a warning can be passed on to the neighbours if necessary.
  5. Encourage neighbours to get to know to each other.
  6. Identify your vulnerable neighbours – keep in touch with them.
  7. Help neighbours by signposting relevant information.
  8. Support local crime and safety initiatives.

Role of NW Area Coordinators

  1. Keep contact details of Scheme Coordinators (SC) and ensure this data is passed to subsequent Area Coordinators. Always use NW data in line with GPDR.
  2. Build appropriate relationships with your SCs.
  3. Distribute information to SCs in a timely way.
  4. Help start new schemes and support failing schemes .
  5. Be aware of local issues that may affect community safety.
  6. Support local police and community safety initiatives.
  7. Liaise with and support other local NW groups around your Area.
  8. Build appropriate relationship with the local police team.