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Neighbourhood Watch Schemes
Most crime is opportunist, committed on the spur of the moment or when a car or house is left unlocked. This means there is enormous scope for reducing the chances of becoming a victim of crime.
Everyone knows that the police are there to fight crime, but they cannot succeed on their own - they need support from the public. This support can be given in the effective way of forming a neighbourhood Watch Scheme.
Why are Neighbourhood Watch Schemes needed?
* Cut crime and the opportunities for crime
* Help and reassure those who live in fear of crime
* Encourage neighbourliness and closer communities
There are other benefits to Neighbourhood Watch schemes too. You will become familiar with crime prevention ideas which will help you to keep your home and belongings safe. You may also get a premium discount from your insurance company.
A Preston Neighbourhood Watch Association that includes all co-ordinators and members across the city has recently been formed. The aim of this group is to provide additional support for schemes.
Reasons to join Preston Neighbourhood Watch
There are a number of reasons why joining an organisation of Neighbourhood watches is a good idea.
The first that springs to mind is the insurance angle. As an individual watch you would have to cover yourself for insurance purposes, but as a member of a scheme of watches you would be covered if that scheme was a member of:
* National Neighbourhood Watch (NNHW)
* Lancashire Neighbourhood Watch Forum (LNWF) - Preston
Neighbourhood Watch is a member under this
* Preston Neighbourhood Watch in their own right are also members
LNWF is also looking at taking out its own insurance which would cover all its member schemes. See their website to find out more about insurance details.
Have you ever felt alone in your scheme? Have you ever felt you could do with some support? We as an organisation would stand with and fight with any of it members in its legitimate problems.
Do you ever feel that a problem shared is a problem halved? We have schemes that have run from the very beginning to schemes that are only months old. Nearly all your problems have happened before, we have a wealth of knowledge for you to call upon.
These are just a few of the reasons how Preston Neighbourhood Watch could help you.
If you would like a membership form or details on starting a new scheme please contact us and details on starting a scheme will be sent to you.
Alternatively please contact Rachel Hines on 01772 209112 for more information.
Setting up a Neighbourhood Watch Scheme
If you would like to set up a Neighbourhood Watch scheme in your area please contact:
Rachel Hines, Community Safety Officer
Telephone: 01772 209112
Reporting crime
If you have information regarding suspicious incidents ring Preston Police on 01772 203203 or in an emergency dial 999.
If you have information on anyone involved in crime or who you believe may be involved in crime ring CRIMESTOPPERS on 0800 555 111. Your call is free, you don’t have to give your name and you may receive a cash reward.
