NEIGHBOURHOOD WATCH
Advice for those wishing to start a scheme in their road.
PCs Jason Woods has assembled the following advice and guidance. For further information you may email Jason.
MOLE
VALLEY POLICE
LEATHERHEAD POLICE STATION
27 KINGSTON AVENUE
LEATHERHEAD KT22 7BN
SURREY POLICE PHONE NUMBER: 0845 125 2222
NEIGHBOURHOOD WATCH NOVEMBER 2004
Thank you for expressing an interest in Neighbourhood Watch.
We are keen to have as many new schemes as possible in Mole Valley and this document explains how you can help to set a scheme up in your road.
IT MUST BE NOTED THAT NHW IS SET UP AND RUN BY RESIDENTS AND NOT THE POLICE. WE MERELY FEED INFORMATION TO THE SCHEME.
The only way that a scheme in your road will get off the ground is if residents arrange it. One person will become the Co-ordinator and their role is explained below. All they need to do is complete the forms and return them to us. At the same time they will need to purchase some signs for the road. Costs can be shared by members and the MVDC currently pay for half of the costs. For details of where to order signage see “Neighbourhood Watch Signs” below. Permission needs to be granted by Highways before signs are erected which is straight forward.
In return for setting up a scheme, each house will receive a starter pack containing numerous information leaflets. You will receive regular newsletters from your local Police Officer with information & advice. Here are some frequently asked questions.
MY ROAD HAS 100 HOUSES; DOES THE SCHEME HAVE TO BE ALL OF MY ROAD?
No, you can have part of a road as a scheme so long as it is clearly defined.
DO I NEED TO HOLD A MEETING FIRST?
No, I would suggest knocking on doors and talking to neighbours to find out interest. There is no real need for a meeting but small roads may find this possible and useful.
DO I NEED TO HOLD REGULAR MEETINGS?
No, there is no real need to hold regular meetings but you can if you want to.
WILL I BE REQUIRED TO ATTEND LOTS OF MEETINGS?
No. Perhaps one Police Meeting a year.
HOW OFTEN ARE THE NEWSLETTERS SENT?
Monthly and the idea is for the co-ordinator to deliver them ASAP. We can provide photocopying facilities.
WHAT ABOUT EMAIL?
Newsletters can be sent by email. Occasional alerts can be sent by email. You can save paper, time and your legs by setting up an email distribution list.
DO I HAVE TO PATROL THE STREETS?
No, the idea is to be alert and to share information with neighbours. If you or a member thinks something is suspicious then phone police.
THE AIMS OF NHW?
NHW IS A METHOD OF DEVELOPING CLOSE CONTACT BETWEEN RESIDENTS AND THE LOCAL POLICE BEAT OFFICER.
CUT CRIME AND THE OPPORTUNITIES FOR CRIME.
TELLING THE POLICE AND NEIGHBOURS ABOUT SUSPICIOUS INCIDENTS IN THE AREA.
HELP AND REASSURE THOSE WHO LIVE IN FEAR OF CRIME.
ENCOURAGE NEIGHBOURLINESS AND CLOSER COMMUNITIES.
IMPROVED HOME SECURITY.
GREATER VIGILANCE.
IMPROVING THE ENVIRONMENT.
WHY IS NHW NECESSARY
BECAUSE IT’S IMPORTANT THE POLICE AND THE COMMUNITY WORK IN PARTNERSHIP, TO PREVENT AND DETECT CRIME.
WHAT IS YOUR ROLE IN NEIGHBOURHOOD WATCH
STREET CO-ORDINATORS
TO MAINTAIN CONTACT WITH MEMBERS OF YOUR WATCH
This can be by telephone calls, meetings or calling on members personally; whichever suits the needs of your particular watch.
TO ACT AS THE LINK FOR COMMUNICATION BETWEEN THE SCHEME AND POLICE.
ENCOURAGE NEW RESIDENTS IN YOUR AREA TO JOIN.
TO DISTRIBUTE CRIME REDUCTION MATERIAL WHEN AND WHERE NECESSARY.
TO ENCOURAGE MEMBERS TO POSTCODE THEIR PROPERTY AND DISPLAY THEIR NHW STICKER.
TO REPORT ANY SUSPICIOUS BEHAVIOUR TO THE POLICE.
INDIVIDUAL MEMBERS
TO BE ALERT AT ALL TIMES AND REPORT ANYTHING SUSPICIOUS TO THE POLICE.
WHEN YOU REPORT SUSPICIOUS ACTIVITY TO THE POLICE, ASK FOR AN INCIDENT NUMBER AND NOTIFY YOUR CO-ORDINATOR.
TO ENSURE THAT YOUR OWN HOME IS SECURE AND YOUR PROPERTY IS MARKED WITH YOUR POSTCODE WHEREVER POSSIBLE.
TO DISPLAY THE NEIGHBOURHOOD WATCH SIGN ON YOUR DOORS OR WINDOWS.
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The following forms are linked into the above and can be downloaded. They are in Word format.
Neighbourhood Watch Scheme Details
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