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.
National: The Neighbourhood Watch Network
The national body provides the overarching governance, strategy and evidence-based toolkits that empower over 2.3 million household members. They run national crime prevention campaigns, secure corporate sponsorships, manage the central registration database and establish the core standards of behaviour for all volunteers.
Regional: Basingstoke & Deane NW Association
As a volunteer led Regional Association, we are the vital link bridging the gap between national strategy and our local schemes on the ground.
We support the growth of the movement across Basingstoke and Deane by processing new coordinator approvals, distributing resources and physical street signs. Crucially, we work in close partnership with the Hampshire Constabulary and local authorities to circulate trusted, up-to-date information on community safety and local police priorities.
Local: Scheme and Members
At its heart, our movement thrives right on your doorstep. Local schemes are traditionally made up of neighbours from one or more streets, a block of flats, or a small village geographical area.
Every single role at a local level contributes uniquely to building a connected, proactive community. Here is how our individual local roles function:
Area Coordinator
- Build appropriate relationships with Scheme Coordinators (SCs).
- Distribute information to SCs.
- Help start new schemes and support failing schemes.
- Be aware of local issues that may affect community safety.
- Support local police and community safety initiatives.
- Liaise with and support other local NW groups around your Area.
- Build appropriate relationships with the local police team.
Scheme Coordinator
- Welcome new residents, explain NW and encourage them to join.
- Have a system that allows information to be distributed quickly to your members, e.g. WhatsApp and Facebook Groups.
- Encourage members to report to the Police any criminal or suspicious activity in the area.
- Encourage neighbours to get to know each other.
- Identify vulnerable neighbours – keep in touch with them.
- Help neighbours by signposting relevant information.
- Support local crime and safety initiatives.
Scheme Member
- Make sure your home is kept secure.
- Get to know your neighbours and encourage neighbourliness.
- Take note of what’s going on around you.
- Ask your neighbour to keep an eye on your property when you are away from home – and do the same for them.
- Report all crimes or if you see something suspicious that worries you.
- Inform the Police and your NW coordinator.
- Be aware that reporting something to the police may not result in their attendance, but helps to build a picture for the Police.
Want To Bring Your Street Together?
Whether you want to join an existing group or take the leap to start a brand-new scheme for your road, getting set up is straightforward and fully supported by our committee.