The “Neighbourhood Watch” scheme al

The “Neighbourhood Watch” scheme all started a few years ago in the quite village of Mollington after a number of burglaries in the village and the surrounding area. The residents of the village came up with the idea that they themselves could keep an eye on their neighbours’ property while they were away on holiday. Since then, and with the support of the government and police, more than 50,000 “Neighbourhood Watch” schemes have been set up all over the country.
The object of each “Watch” group is to reduce the opportunities that criminals have in any particular street or area. Each resident who is a member of the scheme agrees to call the police whenever they see something suspicious. Everything is done calmly and discreetly – it is the police who actually check out each report and investigate what is happening. Residents who are part of the “watch” are not supposed to act as police or put themselves in any danger.
When the new Neighbourhood Watch scheme is set up in an area, the first thing people notice is the large, brightly coloured “Neighbourhood Watch” sign. This is a great deterrent to most burglars and vandals, because very few of them will take a chance of breaking into someone’s house if they know that there is a high risk of being seen by neighbours keeping a look-out. Burglars also know that people who are part of “Neighbourhood Watch” schemes are more likely to have fitted good locks to their doors and windows.
There’s another benefit too. In the time since the “Neighbourhood Watch” scheme came into existence, there is growing evidence of a new community spirit. It is bringing people together as nerve before, and encouraging people to care for each other. New friendships are being made, and contact is often established with old people living on their own, who are often the most frightened and the most at risk.