Home Watch schemes tackle crime in local communities

Home Watch schemes tackle crime in local communities

The vital role Greater Manchester’s army of Home Watch volunteers play in keeping our communities safe is being recognised as the region celebrates National Neighbourhood and Home Watch Week from 20 to 28 June.

The week is an annual awareness-raising campaign, held during the week of the longest day to promote the schemes and crime prevention advice.

Home Watch schemes are voluntary, independent, community based networks of residents who are supported by police and other voluntary organisations.

Police and Crime Commissioner Tony Lloyd said: “Home Watch provides a vital link between local people and the police which massively contributes to the building of safer and stronger communities.

“The army of Greater Manchester Home Watch volunteers who give up their own time to support others make a real difference to our neighbourhoods. They rightly deserve our recognition and thanks. We all have a role to play in creating better places to live, and whether you’re a member of Home Watch, part of a residents’ group, or a community volunteer – the value of the work you do cannot be overstated. Thank you.”

Assistant Chief Constable Garry Shewan said: “These schemes in our local community are key in taking control of criminality in your area. It’s about local residents and communities being active and coming together, caring and supporting each other to create strong communities where crime cannot flourish.

”It’s important for communities to work with us by remaining active in the community and share information with the police to keep our neighbourhoods safe.”

A scheme needs to be run by a coordinator who manages it and is its “rock”. Residents have to be committed to protecting their areas and the police will assist in setting up schemes but after that it is down to each resident to run them in terms of being vigilant and reporting anything suspicious to police.

Graham Rowe, Home Watch Area Coordinator for Sale Moor said: “If you want to be in a safer community, you have to do your part and support the police in fighting crime and antisocial behaviour.

“Home Watch is about residents pulling together to protect their community and environment.”

This year’s theme is about telephone scams and police are encouraging the public to be aware when taking calls from unfamiliar companies. If you are suspicious or feel vulnerable, hang up and clear the line. Never give any personal or bank details over the phone and report any suspicious calls to police.

The schemes can help to reduce crime and antisocial behaviour and provide reassurance to local communities and most importantly they are about individuals and families who want to make their neighbourhood a better place to live.

Jenna Atherley, Chairman of 'Kings Road Homewatch Audenshaw', Tameside said: “When the estate was first built we saw a lot of car crime in the area. After my husband’s car was stolen I thought it was about time we did something in the local community to try and tackle this.

“The first meeting we set up saw only 15 residents attend, as we have gained momentum we now around 80 members of the community attending the meetings and we have seen crime go down in the area and people feel much more in control of their own safety.

“Residents feel much more confident in coming forward with information, even if it’s just someone suspicious in the area or something that doesn’t seem quite right. We are in turn helping ourselves keep our community safe.”

To become part of a police registered Home Watch scheme contact your local Neighbourhood Policing Team (NPT) they will also be able to provide guidance on how to set up a scheme in your area.

You can report suspicious behaviour in your neighbourhood by calling police on 101, always call 999 in an emergency. Reports can be made anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.