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10.
Who can I discuss it with?
11.
Is there any formal training involved?
12.
Is there a security check on coordinators?
13.
How do the groups keep in touch with each other?
14.
Is there an area coordinator?
15.
Is there any personal danger?
16.
Does neighbourhood watch really work in protecting the community?
17.
Can it be very time consuming?
18.
How many meetings will I be expected to attend and do groups meet regularly?
19.
Is there a central organisation that controls neighbourhood watch?
20.How
much contact will we have with the police?
21.
Is it just meant to control serious crime like burglary?
22 What
is the Crime and Disorder Reduction Partnership?
23 How
does NHW work with Colchester Borough Council?
1.I've
heard about Neighbourhood Watch- What is it
The aims of Neighbourhood Watch (NHW) are to reduce crime, opportunities
for crime and the fear of crime and enhance good citizenship and community
spirit in your neighbourhood.
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2.Is there a group
in my area?
To find out about existing groups contact the Neighbourhood
Watch office on Colchester 01206 513333 or e-mail
the office.
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3.How can I join?
If there is an existing group near you, your details
will be passed to the area co-ordinator. Where there is not one, a co-ordinator
needs to be elected from within the members of that area group.
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4.Will it cost
me anything?
Generally no, but some areas make a small charge to cover running expenses.
However it could save you money on your house insurance by contacting
our sponsors Hill House Hammond. See the "Links" page on
this website.
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5.Will I be expected
to go out and patrol the streets?
No, NHW is not a vigilante organisation. However
community minded citizens should always be on the look out, and if something
appears suspicious, in an emergency dial 999 or for non urgent matters
dial Colchester Police on 01206
762212. You may also call the NHW
Borough Co-ordinator on 01206 513333.
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6.Is it part of
the local police force?
No! But the police look to NHW for support.
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7.How many people
can be in one scheme?
There is no definitive answer but the greater the
coverage within an area or road the more effective it will be.
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8.Who runs one
in my area/street and how do I get in touch?
See answer 2
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9.If one does
not exist, how can I set up a scheme?
Look at the page called "How does it work".
If you are still keen you first need to identify the interest by canvassing
all the targeted houses. Then contact the Neighbourhood Watch office and
they will arrange a meeting to formally launch the group.
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10.Who can I
discuss it with?
See question 2
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11.Is there any
formal training involved?
At the launch the Borough Co-ordinator will speak
to a group on useful Crime Prevention Matters. There will be no test or
formal training as the only skills required are a sense of community spirit.You
may however wish to look at the training manuals on the link on the "How
does it work" page of this website.
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12.Is there a
security check on Co-ordinators?
Yes! we would not want an active criminal going
around to peoples homes with a legitimate excuse. So if ever in doubt
about a caller claiming to be a Co-ordinator then phone 01206 513333 to
check.
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13.How do the
groups keep in touch with each other?
There are regular meetings of the Area Co-ordinators
held at Borough level and you can also use the Forum on this website.
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14.Is there an
area Co-ordinator?
Not always, but this too is encouraged. The
role of an Area
Co-ordinator is to act as a vital and very important link between the
Executive Committee and the local NW group, one without the other is simply
not possible when combatting or preventing crime and disorder'.
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15.Is there any
personal danger.
We would like to emphasise this is not a vigilante
group, and we are mindful of the anonymity of people supplying information
to the Police.
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16.Does Neighbourhood
Watch really work in protecting the community.
If you live in a community that cares then yes.
"A community that cares is a community that is aware".
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17.Can it be very time consuming?
The time taken is down to you. Some members of
groups produce regular newsletters and hold meetings. Should you
be elected as an Area Co-ordinator you should expect to commit more time
to the activities of the organization to distribute
the crime reports and news from the regular Borough meetings which you
will be required to attend.
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18.How many meetings
will I be expected to attend and do groups meet regularly?
After the inaugural meeting there is no requirement for others unless
you wish to hold them.
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19.Is there a
central organization that controls Neighbourhood Watch?
The National NHW Association is at the head of it. There is also an Essex
Association and then it devolves to the structure as shown on the link
on the "How does it work" page of this web site. However each
group can be totally autonomous although this is not desirable.
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20.How much contact is there with the
Police?
In the Colchester area very little direct contact although there are to
be columns on this web site from the Divisional Commander, the Crime Reduction
Inspector at Police headquarters and the Community Safety Officer. You
will also be able to find the name of your local Community Officer on
the Borough Area page.
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21.Is it just
meant to control serious crime like burglary?
The group is community based and can be useful in being a pressure group
to bring about changes. The Crime and Disorder Act recognizes NHW as an
important section of the crime strategy for the Borough.
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22.What
is the Crime and Disorder Reduction Partnership?
This is a group of people from statutory, voluntary and partner agencies
who are responsible for the Community Safety Strategy 2002/05 which has
a number of aims and objectives to make Colchester an even safer place
to live and visit.
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23.How
does NHW work with Colchester Borough Council?
NHW and Colchester Council work in close partnership to ensure that combatting
crime and disorder is part of all the activities of the council. Peter
Carrington, Community Safety Co-ordinator is our link person.
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