Frequently Asked Questions about Neighbourhood
Watch
Q1. What is Neighbourhood Watch?
A1
Neighbourhood Watch is a method of developing close liaison between households
within a neighbourhood and the local police. The aim is to help people protect
themselves and their properties and to reduce the fear of crime by means of
improved home security, greater vigilance and by fostering a community spirit.
Q2. What are the benefits of being in a scheme?
A2.
- Most people feel more secure knowing that their neighbours are alert to
the possibility of crime in their neighbourhood and will note or report anything
suspicious they see to the police.
- A criminal is less likely to choose a Neighbourhood Watch area as they are
more likely to be caught.
- Many Insurance companies give discounts on home insurance for Neighbourhood
Watch members.
- Neighbourhood Watch increases the community spirit by bringing together
people who can mutually help each other in many ways.
Q3. What does a Neighbourhood Watch Co-ordinator do?
A3.
-
Sets up and/or maintains a Neighbourhood Watch scheme within a specific
neighbourhood.
-
He/she is the focal point of contact for members within the scheme.
-
Acts as a contact between the Neighbourhood Watch scheme and other Co-ordinators,
Area Co-ordinators and the police.
-
Delivers to members relevant police information such as newsletters and
crime prevention information.Receive "Ringmaster" messages from the police
of more urgent criminal activities in their area and to pass them on to
members. ("Ringmaster is a telephone voice messaging system).
Q4. How much time do I need to spend as a Co-ordinator?
A4
- As much as you want to. Some Co-ordinators spend time writing street newsletters,
organising meetings and even fund raising. Others with less time can only
manage to deliver our Crime Watch newsletter and crime messages from the police
to members. But whatever time is spent there is the satisfaction in keeping
your members informed on the dangers of crime and how to minimise it.
Q5. What do I do if I become suspicious of a crime?
A5
- Firstly stay calm, and then without putting yourself
in danger, decide if the crime could be in progress. If you feel it is then
phone 999 and ask the operator for the police. However if you think the criminals
have left then phone the non-urgent police number on 0845 60 70 999 (local
rate) to report the crime.
- If you are not sure if a crime
has happened please report your suspicions anyway to the non-urgent number,
as it might be a small clue to a larger crime.
- Gather as many relevant details
for reporting as possible. E.g. descriptions of suspects and registration
numbers and descriptions of any vehicles in the immediate area.
Q6. What do I need to say to the police when reporting a crime?
A6.
The police operator is trained to ask you for the information they are likely
to need. It would therefore useful if you could have some of this information
to hand. Obviously each incident is different but certain requirements are often
repeated. These might be: -
- What is the nature of the crime?
- How urgent is the situation?
- The full address of the crime scene. (Don't forget the operator might
not know the area).
- Are/were any suspects in the area and if so what are their descriptions?
- Any descriptions and registration numbers of vehicles near the crime site?
- If suspects/vehicles have just left the crime in which direction did they
go?
- Are there other witnesses to the crime?
- What is your name, address and contact number?
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