Neighbourhood Watch members are expected to be alert and respond to what is going on in their neighbourhood. But the scheme does not expect members to patrol the streets or be vigilantes. In fact, it aims to avoid this type of ‘busybodying’. If you have the time, you could help by attending meetings or events. If you have the time and you are very committed, you can ask at your local police station about volunteering for the Special Constabulary. However the most important thing about the scheme asks you to do is keep an eye on what is happening in your community.
For example milk bottles left on the door step, or a newspaper half-pushed through a letter box can mean your neighbour has gone on holiday and forgotten to cancel a regular order. Or it means an elderly person living alone needs help or attention. These kinds of signs attract criminals. But if you notice them and respond, you can save a lot of heartache and expense. And one day your neighbour might do the same for you.
Neighbourhood Watch telephone: 0114 2438311