How should it work?


				How should it work?
				Neighbourhood Watch schemes can vary in size, from a whole estate or just a few houses. It depends on what people living in the area want. A group is generally led by a co-ordinator whose aims are to get people working together to reduce crime in their area. In the Colchester area it would be preferable if it worked within the structure, constitution and rules and regulations as formulated and adopted by the Borough organisation.Copies of these can be obtained from the Secretary or the Borough Co-ordinator. The co-ordinator, usually works with a committee, which meets regularly to review problems and discuss what action, can be taken over them. Others may be individuals who work as a small but nevertheless very effective operation. The group should keep in close touch with local police to share information and receive advice. Groups should assess what mostly concerns local people and endeavour to alleviate those problems. To do this and in consultation with the local police the following objectives should be followed to target and help reduce crime and the fear of crime in an area: Measure the amount of crime in the area Carry out a fear of crime survey Target those crimes you can have an effect on Identify what opportunities exist for crime Establish a plan to tackle the problems Prevent or reduce the opportunities for the criminal. Most crime is opportunist, when cars or houses can be seen to have been left unlocked. There is therefore enormous scope for reducing chances for criminals. More than 90 per cent of crime is against property, not people, and most of your security measures will be aimed at protecting your home and your belongings. Neighbourhood Watch is all about taking sensible precautions. It can reassure members of your community that you are keeping a neighbourly eye on them. Traditionally Neighbourhood Watch has focused on the immediate vicinity of homes, with members looking out for anything suspicious, or helping their neighbours as necessary. However, increasingly schemes are broadening their work. Whilst community safety still lies at the heart of Neighbourhood Watch other aims like targeting local problems such as vandalism or graffiti are also being dealt with. With community services being cut back and stretched to the limit there may be a place on occasion for the concerned gesture without risking being accused of busy bodying. You may be able to take action yourselves, such as fitting more secure door or window locks in vulnerable homes, or you may need to get others involved. This could mean approaching the local council, for example, to improve the street lighting or other matters of concern. In Colchester we are working in partnership with other agencies like Housing, Youth Initiative, Older Voices, Pub Watch and Help the Aged to help reduce the fear of crime.
Search results