Neighbourhood Watch in Darlington

How do I set up a scheme in my neighbourhood? Why is Neighbourhood Watch good for Darlington?

Neighbourhood Watch is a popular way for people of all ages and backgrounds to get involved in preventing crime in their community. Schemes usually start with people sharing crime prevention advice and activities, keeping an eye on each others’ property, improving home security and building two way communication with the police.

Neighbourhood Watch has proved itself to be successful. All over the UK, including Darlington, active Neighbourhood Watch schemes are reducing crime rates by working with each other and the police.

Neighbourhood Watch is now so successful that there are over 160,000 schemes in the UK and over three quarters of people think Neighbourhood Watch is effective.

How do I set up a Neighbourhood Watch scheme where I live?
The first point of contact is - Jacqui Snowball, Neighbourhood Watch Liason Officer
Telephone Darlington (01325) 346832
Email jacqui.snowball@darlington.gov.uk

Make a start by asking your neighbours if they want to be involved in a Neighbourhood Watch (NW) scheme. This might be by knocking at your neighbours door or via a note or questionnaire put through their letterbox, maybe even a public meeting. If your neighbours agree then the police will register you as an official scheme and supply you with window stickers and crime prevention literature you can circulate in your street.

NW schemes can be as large or small as you want. They can cover all of the households on an estate or just half a dozen houses in a cul-de-sac. It depends on the area and what people living there want.

A scheme is generally led by a volunteer co-ordinator whose job is to get people working together and make sure things get done. As well as the co-ordinator there is usually a committee who meet regularly to plan which problems to target and what action to take. Schemes keep in close touch with the local police to share information and advice.

The most important thing to remember is that NW schemes can actually target crime problems and take action to prevent them. In consultation with the local police they can find out from local people what crimes most concern and affect them and focus on those specific problems.

As most crime is opportunistic, and committed on the spur of the moment, or when a car or house is left unlocked, there is enormous scope for reducing chances for criminals. Whereas traditional NW activity has focused on the immediate vicinity of homes, more and more schemes are now broadening their range of work.

Local problems such as vandalism and graffiti are well within the scope of a well-organised Neighbourhood Watch scheme. You can also take action such as fitting more secure door and window locks in vulnerable homes. You could also lobby the local authority, for example, to improve street lighting or step up the security of a communal entrance.

Joining NNWA

Once you have set up your NW scheme you can register to become a member of NNWA, who will send you a regular newsletter and information about NW training and events in your area. Membership of NNWA is free.

If you are a member or co-ordinator of a NW scheme then you can register with NNWA online now – Click here to join