We are incredibly proud of our journey through the past 40 years and equally excited about our future. Scroll down to learn more about our past, present and future or click here for an interactive experience.
Past
Our journey
1964 - The movement begins
28-year-old Kitty Genovese is stabbed in New York outside the apartment building across the street from her home. Two weeks after the murder, it is rumoured that 38 witnesses saw or heard the attack. None of them called the police or came to her aid. This prompts inquiries into what will become known as the bystander effect or "Genovese syndrome". The murder becomes a staple of American psychology textbooks for the next four decades. It also motivates a community response, and the very first Neighbourhood Watch scheme is set up.
1985 - Neighbourhood Watch groups work closely with the police
The police give our groups descriptions of suspected criminals in their area. These groups like Neighbourhood Watch in Harpenden, Hertfordshire, use ‘Operation Snowball’: each person phones four other people to spread the word through the community. Neighbourhood Watch residents report sightings to the police, resulting in several successful convictions.
The police actively support and engage with the first Home Watch Week held in September 1985 in Bedford. In 1996 the first national Neighbourhood Watch Week was held, and every year since.
2019 - Neighbourhood Watch tackles cybercrime
We hit back at outdated negative stereotypes in the media whilst taking a stance against cybercrime. We partner with cybersecurity leader Avast to launch:
- the Cyberhood Watch initiative
- an annual national cybercrime survey
Present
2020 - Annual Impact Report and surveys launch
We launch our first Impact Report (2019/20), followed by Impact Report 2020/21. It demonstrates our leading role in helping prevent crime and increasing community cohesion. We also launch our inaugural annual Crime and Community Survey and Insights Survey.
2021 - Crime prevention advice reaches thousands
Through our webinar series, we reach 8,000 members of the public. We host 10 crime prevention webinars with an array of expert speakers. We deliver over 7,000 hours of online training, including:
- - volunteer skills development workshops
- - specialist training for our Community Champions, volunteer Administrators, Cybercrime Ambassadors, and Communities that Care volunteers
2021 - We join Airbnb’s Trust and Safety Alliance Board
We join Airbnb as a founding member of Europe's first Trust and Safety Alliance. Other expert organisations that join include Crimestoppers and the National Fire Chiefs Council. We also partner with LockLatch to bring further trusted security products to our supporters.
Future
2023 - Working in higher crime areas
We’ll develop and test models to support our growth and engagement with residents in higher crime areas.
2024 - Human trafficking and bystander training
10,000 people will have taken part in our human trafficking or bystander intervention training since its launch in 2022.
2025 - The authoritative voice on community crime
We are on track to be the authoritative voice on community-based crime prevention. We do this thanks to the hard work of our volunteers, trustees, staff and the support of our partners.