Residents across Gloucestershire are being encouraged to join their local Neighbourhood Watch groups to help reduce crime and increase community safety. Despite being unfairly labeled as an “association of curtain twitchers and neighbourhood busybodies,” Neighbourhood Watch remains the country’s largest volunteer-led crime prevention charity with a proven track record.
Founded over 40 years ago in England, Neighbourhood Watch was created to reduce the fear of crime and foster a sense of security. “The aim of Neighbourhood Watch has always been to make people feel safe by encouraging neighbours to communicate and keep each other informed about local issues,” a Gloucestershire spokesperson said.
While this approach worked well for many years, today’s society poses new challenges. Increased online scams, cold callers, rogue traders, and email hacking have become prevalent crime concerns. Modern lifestyles—where both adults often work full-time and neighbours may barely know each other—make it harder for traditional community vigilance to thrive. As privacy and social detachment grow, the once-strong community bonds have faded since the unity seen during the COVID-19 pandemic.
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Yet, the risk of theft remains significant. Burglar alarms, advanced locks, and security cameras cannot prevent all crimes, especially vehicle thefts and break-ins targeting garages and garden sheds. This is where Neighbourhood Watch can make a real difference by encouraging residents to remain vigilant, share information about suspicious activity, and protect vulnerable community members.
Statistics show that areas with active Neighbourhood Watch groups experience lower crime rates. The groups work closely with police community liaison officers (PCSOs), providing timely information that helps prevent incidents before they happen rather than just reacting after crimes occur.
Neighbourhood Watch groups also collaborate regionally to monitor criminal trends and spread warnings, enhancing their effectiveness. Practical support includes street signs, house stickers, information leaflets, padlocks, alarms, and access to discounts on home insurance for members of registered schemes.
Importantly, joining Neighbourhood Watch costs nothing. Each group is self-managed to meet the needs of its members, with one person serving as the local contact to receive police updates and distribute information. The process is simple and accessible for anyone interested in contributing to a safer community.
Gloucestershire residents eager to join or establish a Neighbourhood Watch group in their area can reach out to Phil Sullivan, the county chair, at [email protected] for more information.