Nurturing communications

Maunders Neighbourhood Watch group was formed in about 2017, following a spate of break-ins, during which both vehicles and household property was stolen. Signs were set up throughout Maunders Court and every home bought into the scheme - this also proved to be the starting point for everybody to get to know each other. In 2019 the group decided to install CCTV throughout with a view to increasing security and giving peace of mind. The cost was kept down significantly as every household bought into this scheme - all aspects of Maunders Court are covered and additional signage showing that CCTV

Set up training session led by three CO trainers. Offered to Multi-Scheme Administrators (MSAs) and Coordinators, via Neighbourhood Alert. Purpose – identify what people care strongly about in their community through 1-2-1 conversations. Build relationships/networks and develop community leaders. Encourage collective action to achieve a shift of power and significant social change.

Cheshire Neighbourhood Watch Association (CNWA) undertook a survey of all coordinators in Cheshire with the goal to better understand what communication channels are preferred, what information coordinators and their members wish to receive, and to listen to feedback and views about anything related to Neighbourhood Watch. The initial results are described in this best practice summary, and the methodology and survey questions are available to other force associations if required.

Weoley Neighbourhood Watch coordinators felt there was a lack of support and communication from neighbourhood police teams. Therefore, we wanted to bring everyone together to understand how to improve the way local police and Neighbourhood Watch schemes work with each other to provide effective support for residents in the community.

From February 2017, we embarked on a sequence of meetings to help increase the awareness of the many types of fraud and the diversity of the problems that exist. These meetings include presentations on doorstep scams, postal scams, telephone scams, and cyber-crime. Many of the meetings have been deliberately held in the afternoon to attract older people or were held by invitations from groups representing older and/or disabled people.

The Association of Dorset Watches hold regular information sessions, one a month, to provide the local community with valuable information and signposting.