The U.K. Home & Business Security Advisor

Neighbourhood Watch
	The Forgotten Army! Revealing the Facts The U.K's first Neighbourhood Watch scheme started at Mollington, Cheshire in 1982 and was greeted with more than a degree of suspicion. This was, after all a crazy American idea and hardly suited to sleepy old England!  How wrong the critics and doubters were! There are now 10 million homes protected by NhW schemes - there is a National NhW Association and most areas have their own county association. The familiar street signs  and window stickers are seen everywhere and give the criminals a clear warning that they are not welcome.

	How Do I Start A Scheme? Speak to all the residents to ascertain the level of support. Find a suitable venue and then contact your local Crime Prevention Officer to arrange a launch. It's as simple as that!
	Can YOU See Yourself As A Co-ordinator? You should have time available to be involved - to keep up effective liaison with your community and police - to gather and disseminate intelligence information - You should want to make a positive contribution to the safety of your residents.
	What Would Be My Role? New strategies mean that NhW will be taking on an active role in Community Safety. You can expect to be consulted by your Local Authority and to contribute to the local strategy. You will be expected to identify local problems and to involve NhW in finding solutions in partnership with other agencies. You will be expected to promote crime prevention and community spirit. You will also be welcoming new residents.

The days when schemes were set up and then forgotten are gone!

There's more to Neighbourhood Watch than claiming a discount on your contents insurance!

Neighbourhood Watch is now a force to be reckoned with!