DACORUM NEIGHBOURHOOD WATCH ASSOCIATION CELEBRATES NATIONAL NEIGHBOURHOOD WATCH WEEK AND WELCOMES MO


DACORM Neighbourhood Watch association is celebrating Neighbourhood watch week by highlighting the successes of the scheme across the borough.

Kings Langley has significantly increased the number of members over the past twelve months and Tring has become one of the first towns in the country to have one hundred per cent coverage and participation in the scheme.

The success of Kings Langley Neighbourhood Watch is being celebrated this week as it has increased in size over the past few months and co-ordinators are always looking for new members.

Sandra Jackson, Neighbourhood Watch co-ordinator for Kings Langley, said: “Neighbourhood Watch has many benefits and this is about is getting more people to realise that. Crime is lower in Neighbourhood Watch areas. Yes, it is about reporting suspicious activity or vehicles, but it is also about neighbours and people watching out for each other too and with that comes a stronger sense of community and a stronger community spirit.

“It is free to join and there are many benefits – including reductions on your home insurance. Part of Neighbourhood Watch is to look after the elderly and vulnerable people in our communities too. It is very rewarding being a member. People's lives have become increasingly busy over the years but being more vigilant and keeping an eye on your neighbour or making sure their house is ok if they go on holiday or work away a lot can be very reassuring for members of the Neighbourhood Watch Scheme.”

This reassurance is something which has been experienced by a member of the scheme in King's Langley – when on holiday they received a message via Owl the On-line Watch Link – a computer generated messaging system which can e-mail and call members with the latest crime prevention advice or alerts in the area.

Ken Coad, a NHW street co-ordinator had received a message stating that a builder's van had been broken into whilst carrying out work on a house on Chipperfield Road. The home owner, who had been holidaying in Prague received the message and wanted to make sure her house was ok so Ken went to check on the property to ensure that it was safe and secure.

Ken said: “It was very reassuring for the lady who had been stranded in Prague during the ash cloud and she was reassured that her house was ok and could enjoy the rest of her stay.”

Andy Reynolds, neighbourhood liaison officer for Dacorum, who is based at Hemel Hempstead Police station, said: “I would encourage anyone to become a member of Neighbourhood Watch in their area – it has so many benefits and is free to join. We are doing some fantastic work in Dacorum and being a member plays a huge part in reassuring members of the community that there is someone watching out for them.

I would encourage anyone to join and they can do so by calling 0845 33 00222 or alternatively by visiting www.owl.co.uk.”

June 2010