A Neighbourhood Watch scheme is an active volunteer group of Neighbourhood Watch Members, supported by a Coordinator.

Traditionally Neighbourhood Watch activities have focused on the immediate vicinity of homes, with members looking out for anything suspicious and helping their neighbours. It brings together and connects people with the common aim of actively keeping their neighbourhood safe. Volunteers are the eyes and ears of that particular community and therefore help to keep a lookout for the wider community and work in partnership with the local Police.

Each Neighbourhood Watch scheme has a Neighbourhood Watch co-ordinator whose role is connecting and supporting non-members, participating Members, local police and partners, actively involved in keeping their neighbourhoods safe. Some Coordinators make use of deputies, who are sometimes termed contact person.

To get your scheme off the ground, here are a few things to think about when setting up your scheme:

• Do you need a deputy or second coordinator?
• Do you need to set up a small committee?
• Do you need to appoint a treasurer?
• How will you cover the costs of running the scheme (e.g. newsletters, meetings)?
• How will you raise funds if needed?
• How will you communicate with members?
• How will you communicate with the police?
• Will you produce newsletters? If so, how often and who will produce them?
• How often will you meet and where?
• How will you deal with new requests for membership?

There are minimal costs associated with setting up Neighbourhood Watch schemes as this work involves bringing together a number of community members volunteer their time and to work together to ensure that shared objectives are achieved.

If interested in joining a Neighbourhood Watch scheme or setting up one in your area? contact details can be found at the bottom of this page.