1.0 Street Signs  

1.1 These are a great way to notify everyone that they are in a Watch area. We have good evidence that criminals don’t like them because they highlight the fact that nearby residents may/or may not be looking in to the street, thereby introducing an element of risk to the offender. Experiences such as street drug dealing, estate vandalism and hostile response from a resident drug dealer have been experienced in Peterborough. Some streets have not experienced burglary because active burglars won’t go to those streets for fear of being seen and reported on. This comes from information from the CID when dealing with  burglars after conviction.

1.2 There is no formal planning permission required for the installation of the signs in the area covered by Peterborough City Council but certain requirements are required, as follows;-

1. The size of the sign is 30cm wide 40cm high.
2. They are only to be fitted to street light columns.
3. They should not be installed on poles or fittings that hold street traffic signs. They should not be fitted to telephone cable poles.
4. They may be fitted to buildings and walls with permission from the owner of the building or wall.

e) They should be fitted with the bottom edge of each sign not less than 2.1 meters from the ground/road/footpath and not less than 2.3 meters from a cycleway surface.

2.0 When a member of a Watch fits the sign they are covered for public liability insurance under a policy held by the National Neighbourhood Watch Network. See Ourwatch.org for latest details.

2.1 Advertising the presence of a Watch can draw attention from possible offenders who dislike the existence of such a community approach. It is recommended the signs are not erected close to walls or similar height constructions or trees, they allow access to vandalise or steal the sign. 

2.2 It is recommended that each sign is permanently marked with a postcode for that area.

2.3 Watch coordinators should check the safety, security and condition of each of their signs at least annually. Currently the signs are sold for £13 each including two fitting straps by the official supplier for Peterborough – Peterborough Neighbourhood Watch Association.

2.4 There is no restriction on the number of signs erected for each Watch area; at least two should be placed for a single Watch.

2.5 The signs should face outwards from the area covered by the Watch.  Face up or down the road and not across it. Face towards entrances to the area, e.g. footpaths and cycleways.

2.6 It is not a strict requirement for Watch street signs to be erected and installed. The members of the Watch will have the decision based on their views of the community in which they live or other circumstances.

2.7 Signs that have become worn out, rusty, no longer fit for purpose should be replaced. The old signs, they are not collected, should be removed and scrapped by the coordinator. Contact Support@nwpeterborough.org.uk

2.8 To order Street signs contact your Peterborough Neighbourhood watch Association – Shop@nwpeterborough.org.uk

2.9 Watch coordinators in the Werrington area / North of Peterborough should contact their area coordinator for street signs. alan.friend@nwpeterborough.org.uk

2.9a Only approved street signs should be erected, for the Peterborough area. Only signs supplied by the Association are permitted, having been approved by the City Council and the sponsor.

4.0 Disposal of Old Warn out Street Signs

4.1 Street signs that are old, faded, otherwise damaged or deteriorated OR there is no longer a registered street coordinator nearby should be removed to maintain the credibility and reputation of the Neighbourhood Watch movement.

4.2 In the interests of community safety Neighbourhood Watch will take all reasonable steps for the removal of such signs. Neighbourhood Watch members, and Local Authority Highways are encouraged to report the location of these defective signs needing removal or in the case of the Highways authorities remove and destroy such signs when they can.