Why not put your informal neighbourhood group into Ourwatch

Could you benefit from making your neighbourhood community group official?

Community spirit has shone through in many places during the pandemic.   In a number of areas locally, informal groups have been created for neighbours to stay in contact with each other and look out for the more vulnerable.

Now Thames Valley Police are suggesting people consider formalising their group as an official Neighbourhood Watch scheme.

The trend towards local groups on Whatsapp, Facebook or via the NextDoor platform has been seen in use by the Neighbourhood Policing Teams.   People in these groups look out for each other’s homes and property and share details of suspicious activity with each other, and the police.

With the basic premise of preventing crime and supporting those who are socially isolated or otherwise vulnerable, the groups are having a positive impact upon crime and increasing community resilience.

Thames Valley Police says that registering these groups as an official Neighbourhood Watch scheme with OurWatch, has a number of benefits.   These include easily connecting with other local schemes, potential discounts on insurances and eligibility for funding to help provide street signage, and access to crime prevention tips.

More details are available here.

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Published: 08/04/2021 11:43am by Banbury FM Newsteam

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