NEIGHBOURHOOD AND FARM WATCH
Neighbourhood Watch
WHAT IS IT?
The Neighbourhood Watch scheme in the United Kingdom is a partnership intended to bring people together to make their communities safer. It involves the police, Community Safety departments of local authorities, other voluntary organisations and individuals and families who ostensibly want to make their neighbourhoods better places to live. It aims to help people protect themselves and their properties and to reduce the fear of crime by means of improved home security, greater vigilance, accurate reporting of suspicious incidents to the police and by fostering a community spirit.
HOW CAN I GET INVOLVED?
There are lots of ways you can help make your neighbourhood a safer place, whatever your skills, availability or experience.
You can join or set up a local Neighbourhood Watch. These are run entirely by the community, for the community, and volunteers work in their own time and to their own strengths.
Find out more about joining a scheme or starting a new one in your area.
Suspicious activity should be monitored and recorded discreetly and reported to us quickly and accurately.
Important: Where a serious crime is in progress, do not attempt to confront the suspect by yourself. Call 999 immediately and wait for the police to attend.
Farm Watch
Rural crimes can be reduced by the use of Watch schemes. By using your knowledge and awareness of what is happening on and around your land, you can help to reduce crime and deter criminals.
THE AIMS OF THE SCHEME
To reduce local opportunities for rural crime.
To reinforce the community spirit so that everyone can contribute towards the protection of their property by mutual co-operation and communication.
To introduce early warning systems in farming and countryside areas.
To improve the intelligence flow between the agricultural communities and the police.
HOW THE AIMS ARE ACHIEVED
Text, email and landline voicemail alerts for members of the community.
Intelligence gathered by Police on all farm related crimes and suspicious incidents.
Visits from local Police Community Support Officers (PCSOs).
Crime Reduction Officer can visit you and give advice on securing your property.
BENEFITS OF THE SCHEME
A reduction in crime and the fear of crime impacting on the community.
Suspicious people and vehicles can quickly be reported to the police and other members of the countryside communities.
Information and advice can be quickly and efficiently circulated between the police and the community.
A crime vigilant community in partnership with the police will create a safer environment.
JOIN THE FARM WATCH SCHEME
To join the Farm Watch Scheme or to find out more information, email ruralcrimeteam@avonandsomerset.police.uk.
Suspicious activity should be monitored and recorded discreetly and reported to us quickly and accurately.
Important: Where a serious crime is in progress, do not attempt to confront the suspect by yourself. Call 999 immediately and wait for the police to attend.