Watch schemes
Watch schemes are not police-run groups. But to be effective against crime they need to plan action in co-operation with the police, or any other agency such as the local authority.
It is essential to establish a close working relationship with your local police, and to share with them all information relating to crime and other incidents in your area.
Generally, a volunteer co-ordinator will lead the team, whose job it is to get people working together and make sure things get done. Also, there is usually a committee that meets regularly to plan which problems to target and what action to take.
Neighbourhood Watch
What is Neighbourhood Watch?
Neighbourhood Watch is one of the biggest and most successful voluntary crime prevention initiatives in the UK. Established in Surrey in 1985, there are now over 3500 Watch schemes county wide, involving almost a third of Surrey's households. Neighbourhood Watch is a community initiative, which is supported by the police, not run by them. It's based around the idea of like-minded neighbours getting together to help reduce crime and make their communities a safer place to live and work.
What does Neighbourhood Watch aim to do? Neighbourhood Watch aims to;
- Prevent and reduce crime in our neighbourhoods.
- Provide reassurance to people in our communities, particularly the more vulnerable.
- Provide appropriate and up to date crime prevention advice.
- Encourage members of our communities to be alert and watchful in looking after themselves and others.
- Act as a channel of communication - passing on timely information from the police to the community and from the community to the police - to help prevent and detect crimes.
What are the benefits of Neighbourhood Watch? Neighbourhood Watch can benefit whole communities as well as individuals. Benefits include;
- Discounts of up to 20% on home insurance for active watch members.
- Regular communication and crime alerts from local police.
- Vigilant neighbours who are concerned with community safety.
- A cumulative voice campaigning for community issues.
- Specialist crime reduction advice to improve home security.
- A reduced likelihood of becoming a victim of crime.
Is there a cost involved? Joining Neighbourhood Watch is free, and window stickers and crime prevention leaflets can be supplied free of charge. However there will be a small fee for the provision of street signs, which are an important element in deterring offenders. Usually, these small fees are shared between scheme members.
How to set up a Neighbourhood Watch scheme To find out more about joining or setting up a Neighbourhood Watch scheme you can contact your Neighbourhood Specialist police officer. They will be able to answer any questions you may have and may in turn direct you towards a local Neighbourhood Watch Co-ordinator who will be able to help you join an existing scheme or establish a new one. To find your local Neighbourhood Specialist officer, visit www.surrey.police.uk or call Surrey Police on 0845 125 2222. Alternatively, you can visit the Neighbourhood Watch website at www.ourwatch.org.uk
Country Watch
What is Country Watch?
Country Watch is a message alert scheme where the police are working with rural communities to help prevent and detect crime.
According to National Farmer Union Mutual's Crime Survey rural crime is increasing with its headline indicator of tractor theft rising by 4.8% in 2009 across the UK, accounting for £42.2 million alone. It is believed nearly three quarters of rural crimes are planned, with criminals identifying 'soft targets' beforehand, while opportunist criminals tour the countryside looking for the chance to take high value, portable items which they can sell on quickly.
Country Watch increases the number of 'eyes and ears' in our rural communities and significantly disrupts criminal activity. It is particularly effective where individuals are often 'out and about', including farmers, land owners, game keepers, farm workers, stable owners, smallholders, fishery owners, National Trust staff, wildlife and Forestry Commission rangers.
What is Country Watch?
Country Watch members receive message alerts via SMS text and/or email about suspicious activity or incidents in the local area that may affect them. This may include information about thefts, criminal damage or suspicious vehicles or people.
Messages will contain brief details of a reported incident, its location and details of vehicles and/or people involved. A police reference number will be included together with a reminder of the Surrey Police contact number, 0845 125 2222. To report related information about an incident, members can call Surrey Police quoting the reference number and officers will be alerted.
Country Watch members can also report suspicious activity for other members in the scheme by calling Surrey Police, providing information and quoting Country Watch. Once verified, this information can then be distributed throughout the Country Watch network.
Why should I register for Country Watch?
Although criminal activity in rural neighbourhoods is considerably lower than in urban areas, rural communities are not immune and because rural areas are more scarcely populated, it is often more difficult to police without the support of the communities themselves.
Country Watch mutually benefits all its members and helps the police act quickly on reported information about criminal or suspicious activity. Where Country Watch can be most effective is in addressing issues ranging from damage to vehicles or property, theft of animals or farm machinery through to fly tipping, poaching and hare coursing.
The scheme is publicised through warning signage displayed around the rural community which in itself provides a deterrent to some criminals.
How do I register for Country Watch?
Anyone can register to join and become a member of the Country Watch scheme for free. Your application will be processed and you will need to complete a short Data Protection Form which allows Surrey Police to hold your contact details for the purposes of providing you with information about suspicious or criminal activity.
As a new member you will receive a Country Watch sign to display on your property and you will start to receive text alerts and/or emails together with a regular bulletin about local crime, emerging trends, suspicious callers and vehicles.
For further information about Country Watch in your area contact your local Safer Neighbourhood Team. Contact details can be found below, by calling 0845 125 2222 or visiting your neighbourhood pages at www.surrey.police.uk
Saddle marking
As part of the Country Watch scheme Surrey Police offer a free saddle marking service for leather saddles. The tack is marked using a die stamp giving the saddle a unique number and the owner is issued with a registration document to show proof of ownership.
The details of the saddle and the owner are entered onto the Surrey Police property register which can be accessed by police forces across the country 24 hours a day 365 day a year.
If you wish to have your tack marked contact your local Safer Neighbourhood Team on 0845 125 2222 and ask for Country Watch saddle marking, or visit your neighbourhood pages at www.surrey.police.uk
As an additional deterrent, Surrey Police can provide stables with signage indicating that tack is security marked, for which there is a small charge.
Community Speed Watch
What is Community Speed Watch?
Community Speed Watch (CSW) is a locally driven initiative where active members of the community monitor speeds of vehicles at specific locations using speed detection devices.
Find out more by visiting the Community Speed Watch section of the website.
Crime prevention and safety leaflets
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