What is Neighbourhood Watch?
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In the Middlesbrough District there are over 200 Neighbourhood Watch schemes, working in partnership with the Police and other agencies to help create a safer environment. Sue Donnison, NHW Co-ordinator at Middlesbrough Police Station will provide you with details of crime in your area and she is also your link to police officers.
A successful scheme depends upon the commitment of the local residents who want to reduce crime and the fear of crime in their area and make their part of the community safer.
How to set up your Neighbourhood Watch
Call on the residents who you want to be involved in your NHW and arrange a meeting - invite Sue Donnison, Middlesbrough Police Neighbourhood Watch Co-ordinator who will explain what NHW is and how it works.
Some of the benefits of being involved in a Neighbourhood Watch Scheme include:
- Residents receive up to date advice on protecting their property and by taking the advice given, keep themselves and their neighbours secure from crime
- Be kept informed of patterns of criminal activity in their area so that they can reduce the risk of themselves or their neighbours becoming the next victim of a burglary
- Possibly be able to claim a discount on some home insurance policies
- As a scheme they can become more of a voice within the community
What does a Street Co-ordinator have to do?
- Set up your Neighbourhood Watch
- Obtain the name of a street contact(s) that can stand in for you to cover for annual leave
- Once you have received a Ringmaster message, ensure that the message is circulated to NHW members
- If you or any of your Neighbourhood Watch members receive any information regarding crime in your area, inform Sue Donnison on (01642) 303399 of this (even if you think it may be trivial as what may seem trivial to you may be vital to the Police)
- Attend if you wish meetings held by officers from Middlesbrough Police Station.
- A Deputy Co-ordinator can be appointed. Their role is to work with the Co-ordinator (advice etc) and to 'step' into the Co-ordinator’s role should the Co-ordinator go on annual leave etc and distribute the Neighbourhood Watch crime information to members of the group via letter or verbally
What does a Street Contact have to do?
A Street Contact is a neighbour who helps the Co-ordinator by distributing the NHW Ringmaster messages to the residents involved in the Neighbourhood Watch Scheme.
For more information on Neighbourhood Watch contact Sue Donnison, Neighbourhood Watch Liaison Officer on (01642) 303399 or e-mail on nhw.middlesbrough@cleveland.pnn.police.uk