What is Neighbourhood Watch and how does it work?
Neighbourhood Watch is made up of small groups of volunteer residents in towns and cities around the country. It is run by the residents for the residents. Members look out for signs of crime in their own neighbourhoods, and share that information with each other and local police.
They follow basic rules and guidelines set out by the national organisation, and they work closely with their local police force. If you join Neighbourhood Watch, you will get to know your neighbours.
You’ll pay attention to the cars normally parked on your street, and to which of your neighbours is having work done on their house. You might even know which of your neighbours is away for any length of time.
Using that information, you’re more likely to know when something unusual is happening, or when something just doesn’t look right. By keeping an eye out for your neighbours, you can help police stop crimes from happening.
We are aware that many of you in the communities that we aim to serve already receive some of the crime reports and advice via emails from the community contact service.
However, whilst that may give you an overall picture, it does not enable access to the many benefits available to registered members or those planned for the future.
There has never been a better time to join Neighbourhood Watch or if no scheme exists in your area, set one up, it’s an easy process with full assistance and support from our committee.
Think about it, all neighbours looking out for each other can only help to reduce crime and the fear of crime.
Preventing crime isn’t about ‘curtain twitching’, it’s about creating a caring community by merely being aware of and reporting suspicious activity or something that you feel is unusual in your street, increasing home and personal security by taking advantage of available services.
All local co-ordinators will have passed Police checks to allow them to be your local street co-ordinator. We work very closely with the Rother Policing Team to help keep you informed and updated on situations within your local area and these schemes have proved invaluable in the reduction of crime and the fear of crime.
The benefits of joining the scheme, which is free to all, include:
- helps to reduce crime and the opportunities for crime
- reassuring those who live in the fear of crime
- increasing the awareness and vigilance of residents
- closer liaison between Police and residents
- encouraging community spirit
- being able to participate in local and main area meetings
- a NHW sticker to place at front and/or rear of your home
- regular NHW bulletins, some outlining crime in your area and crime prevention advice
- access to discounts regarding household contents with most insurance companies
- access to discounts via a Privilege Card system which operates in the area
- receive local information and alert bulletins from the local Police.
There are a number of schemes in Rye and surrounding area:
The Mint, Rye
High Street, Rye
Oast House Field, Icklesham
Military Road, Rye,
Beckley Road, Horns Cross Northiam,
North Lane, Guestling Thorn,
Harbour Farm, Winchelsea Beach, Rye
High Meadows, Northiam,
Eagle Road, Rye
Badger Way, Whitesand, Camber, Rye
Woodland Cottages, New Cut, Westfield,
Forge Mews. Rye, East Sussex,
High Street, Winchelsea,
Pottingfield Road, Rye, East Sussex,
Chapel Lane. Westfield, East Sussex.
If you are interested in joining and taking part please contact the Chairman of Rother NHW, Ted Kemp, via chairman@rothernhw.co.uk or edward.kemp@sussex.pnn..police.uk and if there is a co-ordinator in the area he will ask them to make contact.