Being part of a Neighbourhood Watch scheme can make a difference in reducing crime and anti-social behaviour. It also helps to reassure residents and can bring a community closer together.It costs nothing to join a scheme and all new members receive a welcome pack which contains useful contact details, crime prevention advice and other supportive information.There are a lot of benefits in being a member of a Neighbourhood Watch scheme including:
- Discount offered by some insurance companies
- A greatly reduced fee to purchase a unique ‘Smartwater’ property marking kit at £15
- Opportunities to receive funding for projects and local initiatives
- Support by the police and partner agencies – including crime updates and newsletters
- Crime Prevention advice and information
- Neighbourhood Watch Signs (they deter crime and reassure the community)
It is not difficult to set up or run a scheme and there is plenty of support available. To enable a scheme to start there has to be a reasonable level of interest amongst residents and someone would need to act as the neighbourhood watch coordinator for that scheme. This does not involve a lot of work.
If you are interested in finding out more about Neighbourhood Watch or getting assistance to help set up a scheme you can contact either:
PC Paul Green, who is the Community Safety Coordinator based in the civic offices at Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council. Tel: 01256 - 845316 or 01256 - 844844 Email: paul.green@basingstoke.gov.uk
Or your Police Beat Officer, Police Community Support Officer, Community Warden or Accredited Community Safety Officer
You can also visit the Basingstoke and Deane Neighbourhood Watch website by going to:
http://www.bdnw.org.uk