We know from research by the National Police Council that an Active neighbourhood watch is more likely to reduce the risk of crime. It puts the odds in your favour.

We also know that every Watch is different, some are quiet, and some have regular problems and issues.

If you don’t experience many problems that’s really good to know. Helping to keep a Watch alive and active will support it giving it the ability to respond to any issue that arises in the future.

Are all your members on email? If not they could ask a neighbour, friend or family member to use their web link for emails.

This is a suggested list for you to pick from for member and Watch activity. You don’t have to do all these

1. Once a year, at least, check the safety and security of any Watch signs.
2. Encourage all members to register their stealable property using the online ‘Immobilise’.
3. Get all neighbours to register their cycles on the national bicycle register.
4. Encourage your neighbour members to sign up on your neighbourhood watch on Ourwatch/Neighbourhood Alert- they register on your Watch, this will allow them to receive Alerts you to send them a group message.
5. If/when new people move in to your road then give them a warm welcome. Advise them how to be an active Watch member.
6. Ask all neighbour members to make sure they notify you should they experience or witness a crime or incidents locally as soon as they have reported them to the police.
7. Some Watches set up an informal neighbour to neighbour contact arrangement for those residents who live alone or maybe are otherwise vulnerable.
8. Make sure/ check that each house is displaying a Watch window sticker.
9. In general conversation, ask members if they have any concerns about their safety.
10. Keep a check on street lights assuming you have some, and report if defective.
11. Take a look at Street Check.UK and find out what crimes have been reported in your area, advise/ remind your members of any precautions to take.
12. If any litter appears in the road take steps to remove it.
13. Are there any overgrown trees/ bushes – these should be trimmed back if they obstruct natural surveillance in the road.
14. Keep an eye on people visiting neighbours, are they trying to sell at the door or con their way in.
15. Take vehicle numbers of vehicles that you are concerned about and pass to the police with the reasons for your concerns.
16. Report concerns to the police.
17. All areas are different, keep an eye on street litter, consider running your own group litter pick if you think it may help.
18. You can also take a look at the Peterborough website www.nwpeterborough.org.uk for more guidance on the role of a street coordinator.
19. Encourage other neighbours to keep a look out as part of their day to day routines. Watching the neighbourhood is what we all do as soon as we step outside.
20. Put together a list of all the contact numbers and e mail addresses for all the official reporting for your area. Eg: Police, Council, County Council Depts
21. People tend to feel reassured when there’s a little Watch activity going on.
22. Organise a get together with neighbours, this is a great way to get to know them and they you.
23. Don’t try and do everything yourself.
24. Keep a diary of what’s happened in the street, especially details of suspect persons or vehicles. It helps to look back to maybe identify any patterns of behaviour or types of issues experienced.
25. You may have other activities that you do and not shown here, please let us know to include them on this list. Contact support@nwpeterborough.org.uk

if you would like to download a pdf version of this page? it is available here