WATCH

Whilst most people have heard of Homewatch, few realise how extensive it has become. Since the very first scheme was established in 1982 at Mollington, Cheshire, Homewatch has mushroomed right across the country.

In Vale Royal there are almost seven hundred schemes involving more than 15% of households. Homewatch, which is also referred to as Neighbourhood Watch or more simply WATCH, encourages the development of caring communities and is known to actively reduce vulnerability to crime and the fear of it.

In recognition of the impact that WATCH can make, many insurance companies offer reductions in household premiums to members. Belonging to a WATCH scheme ensures that you have access to information on criminal activity in your area and provides you with a direct means of passing information to the police. Information of this nature is treated in confidence and has resulted in the prevention of crime and the apprehension of numerous offenders.

Liz Biddle WATCH is supported by the Vale Royal Community Safety Partnership, this being a multi-agency forum dedicated to improving all aspects of community safety within the Borough area. While WATCH is run by the community for the community, support and advice is provided by the WATCH Officer Liz Biddle who is based at the Divisional Police Headquarters, Northwich. Some people are a bit wary about becoming involved in schemes that they feel will involve living in their neighbours’ kitchens or intruding upon their privacy. WATCH can be as active or passive as the members want, it’s entirely up to members to decide what level of participation suits them the best. Most people have friends and families who they can rely on to look after their homes when they are on holiday but it is always advisable to introduce these people to the neighbours so the neighbours aren’t worrying about unknown people entering your home. The role of the local scheme co-ordinator is to act as an information exchange point between members and the police. WATCH Co-ordinators and members will only receive information relevant to their location and will not be bombarded with messages. Liz is looking to help establish new schemes in this area, both to reduce criminal opportunity and to improve community safety.

Whilst WATCH has in the past concentrated on residential areas, the Community Safety Partnership is also keen to involve business and retail communities where appropriate. Liz is in the process of establishing a new initiative called Service Provider WATCH. This allows various organisations such as Help the Aged, Day Care Centres, Community Meals, Care Workers, etc., to pass on information in relation to crime trends to their clients and act as an information exchange point between some of the more vulnerable members of the community and the police.

If you are interested in starting a WATCH scheme in your neighbourhood and would like to know more about what is involved before doing so, you can contact Liz direct on the WATCH line 01606 49000 or by email on c&vr.homewatch@cheshire.pnn.police.uk. Information packs can be forwarded without obligation and Liz is happy to spend time with community groups in establishing new schemes.